Surveying storm damage in North Carolina, former President Donald Trump on Monday blasted federal emergency responders whose work has been stymied by armed harassment and a deluge of misinformation, but he said he was not concerned that the aftermath of Hurricane Helene would affect election results in the battleground state.

Former President Donald Trump used a Monday visit to North Carolina to repeat debunked lies about the federal response to Hurricane Helene.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) temporarily paused aid in parts of North Carolina this weekend after alleged threats targeted the agency’s personnel aiding in recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.

"I think you have to be able to speak. Does that mean let's not talk about it? Because by doing that, they'll do a better job the next time."

The expanded reach now covers Cabarrus, Cherokee, Forsyth, Graham, Iredell, Lee, Nash, Rowan, Stanly, Surry, Union and Yadkin counties, in addition to the 27 counties that were already approved for assistance.

Three weeks after Tropical Storm Helene devastated Western North Carolina, it's clear that the community has stood with one another from the very beginning.

Officials say federal disaster workers paused and then changed some of their hurricane-recovery efforts in North Carolina after receiving threats.

While high-profile Republicans like Donald Trump continue to spread misinformation around hurricane recovery efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a new program in North Carolina to support survivors and assistance totaling $300 million.