President Donald Trump surprised a North Carolina mayor as his town braced for the landfall of Hurricane Florence, he told local media.
Incredible job being done by FEMA, First Responders, Law Enforcement and all. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 14, 2018
Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo noted that, at first, he did not answer the phone call from an unknown number, but realized it was important when they called back. Saffo was connected on the line with Trump who stressed that the Federal Government would assist in all its capacity with disaster relief operations.
“I told him that we appreciate all the efforts at the federal level,” Saffo told local media, adding, “I’m sure that we’re going to need some of their assistance when this thing is over. But he was very gracious, very concerned about what was happening here in the area. And I just told him that I appreciated his telephone call and that we’ll be in touch.”
Florence made landfall Friday morning as a Category 1 hurricane, and authorities believe deadly storm surges are forthcoming along with gale force winds.