In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic impact on the southeastern United States, former President Donald Trump made a high-profile visit to Valdosta, Georgia, to support relief efforts.

Trump's arrival in the storm-ravaged region drew attention and praise, particularly from his ex-wife, Marla Maples, as the Daily Wire reports.

The former president's visit comes as Georgia grapples with widespread damage from one of the worst hurricanes to hit the region in recent history.

Hurricane Helene, which tore through states such as Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, left a trail of destruction in its wake. Cities like Atlanta were hit particularly hard, with more than 11 inches of rain reported in just 48 hours, breaking a 150-year-old record.

Georgia Declares State of Emergency Before Hurricane Hits

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued an executive order on Sept. 24, declaring a state of emergency as the hurricane approached. This order prepared the state for what was to come, including the mobilization of 500 National Guard troops to assist in response and recovery efforts. It also authorized temporary permits for commercial vehicles to exceed regular size restrictions, except in the case of bridge weight limits.

The damage from Hurricane Helene was extensive, with communities struggling to cope with the aftermath. As residents began the arduous task of rebuilding their lives, Trump’s visit brought some much-needed attention to the area.

Trump Brings Relief Materials to Valdosta

Trump’s arrival in Valdosta was part of a coordinated effort with Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian humanitarian aid organization led by Franklin Graham. The former president brought with him essential supplies, including fuel, equipment, and water, to help local residents and recovery teams. Trump was expected to meet with several prominent figures during his visit, including Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, and U.S. Reps. Mike Collins and Austin Scott.

Upon landing in Georgia, Trump emphasized that his visit was not about politics, stating, "We’re not talking about politics now." He also mentioned ongoing conversations with Elon Musk about potentially using Starlink to restore communication services in areas where power and cell towers had been knocked out.

Marla Maples Praises Trump’s Efforts in Georgia

One of the more personal moments surrounding Trump’s visit came from his ex-wife, Marla Maples, who took to social media to praise his efforts. "So happy to see My Daughter’s father @realDonaldTrump in my home state of Georgia. He is there to support the people and communities after this horrible hurricane," she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Maples, who hails from Georgia, also expressed her hope and prayers for the recovery of affected areas, including her home state and neighboring regions like Tennessee and the Carolinas.

Her public support for Trump during his humanitarian efforts underscored a rare moment of unity, despite the tumultuous nature of their past relationship.

Atlanta Breaks Historic Rainfall Record

As Trump and other officials focused on relief efforts in Valdosta, the scope of the storm's destruction was felt statewide. Atlanta, Georgia's largest city, experienced unprecedented rainfall, totaling more than 11 inches in just two days. This broke a nearly 150-year-old record and contributed to widespread flooding, downed trees, and power outages throughout the region.

USA Today reported that the rainfall totals in Atlanta were historic, adding another layer of urgency to the state’s recovery efforts. Emergency services and volunteers worked tirelessly to clear debris, restore power, and provide aid to those in need.

Coordinated Relief Efforts and Continued Challenges

The visit to Valdosta was just one part of the broader relief efforts taking place across the southeastern United States. Kemp’s executive order remained in effect, with National Guard troops and local officials continuing to assess the full extent of the damage. Meanwhile, communities in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina, among others, continued to battle the aftereffects of Hurricane Helene.

Trump’s coordination with Samaritan’s Purse brought further attention to the ongoing needs in Georgia and other affected areas. CNBC reported that the former president’s involvement in the relief efforts was part of a larger partnership between him and Franklin Graham’s organization, which has a long history of responding to natural disasters.

Trump Expresses Gratitude to Local Officials

On social media, Trump expressed his appreciation for the hard work of local politicians and first responders. He specifically mentioned several individuals who had been instrumental in organizing relief efforts, including Franklin Graham, Burt Jones, Tyler Harper, and Valdosta Mayor Scott James. "We’ll be saying hello to Franklin Graham, Burt Jones, Tyler Harper, Mike Collins, Austin Scott, Russ Goodman, Sam Watson, and the Mayor of Valdosta Scott James," Trump wrote on X.

The former president’s visit helped to spotlight the relief efforts that were already underway, highlighting the significant challenges still facing local communities.

Conclusion: Relief Efforts Continue as Southeast Rebuilds

As the southeastern United States begins to recover from the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Trump’s visit to Valdosta served as a reminder of the importance of coordinated relief efforts. His collaboration with Samaritan’s Purse, coupled with his conversations with Elon Musk about Starlink, reflected the urgent need to restore communication and essential services to the hardest-hit areas.

The praise from Marla Maples highlighted a rare moment of public unity, as she expressed her gratitude for his efforts to help the people of Georgia. The state, along with several others in the region, continues to rebuild, with local officials, emergency responders, and volunteers working tirelessly to bring relief to those in need.

Georgia’s record-breaking rainfall, coupled with the long-term challenges posed by the hurricane’s destruction, will require ongoing support and attention as the region recovers in the weeks and months ahead.