Ivanka Trump made a rare public appearance in North Carolina this week during a severe water crisis caused by Tropical Storm Helene. Many people in the state are angry, seeing her visit as a photo opportunity rather than real help. Her presence has sparked frustration and backlash, with some people accusing her of using the disaster for her own gain.
The water crisis in North Carolina is serious. Floodwaters from the storm damaged water pipes and treatment plants, leaving over 100,000 people without clean drinking water. People are scrambling to find water, boiling creek water, and waiting in long lines just to get a bottle of water or toilet paper. While locals are doing everything they can to survive, Ivanka’s visit felt out of place and unhelpful.
Many people believe that Ivanka Trump’s visit is just another example of the Trump family showing up for publicity rather than offering real solutions. A similar situation happened in Puerto Rico in 2017 after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. The Trump administration was slow to respond, leaving thousands of people without power and water for months. During a visit to Puerto Rico, Donald Trump threw paper towels into a crowd, a moment many people saw as insulting. Years later, Ivanka’s visit to North Carolina seems to be following the same pattern—more about appearances than action.
A tweet by Ron Filipkowski, a lawyer and frequent critic of the Trump family, quickly summed up the mood. He tweeted, “Ivanka is now on the scene in NC. She’s the one on her phone.”
Ivanka is now on the scene in NC. She’s the one on her phone. pic.twitter.com/NH4DRx1ITz
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) October 2, 2024
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Other people on Twitter didn’t hold back their opinions either. One user, @dcpoll, wrote, “She had to make an obligatory appearance before setting up her own grifting Go Fund Me.” Another person, @Matthewtravis08, added, “What’s the real reason she’s there? It sure as f*ck isn’t out of the kindness in her heart. There’s an ulterior motive. She’s a Trump.”
She had to make an obligatory appearance before setting up her own grifting Go Fund Me.
— Polly Sigh (@dcpoll) October 2, 2024
What’s the real reason she’s there?
It sure as f*ck isn’t out of the kindness in her heart.
There’s an ulterior motive.
She’s a Trump.
— Travis Matthew (@Matthewtravis08) October 2, 2024
Additionally, @kene0222 quipped, “Probably calling her investment banker to buy stock in Bounty or Brawny,” while @Skylark_NC expressed frustration with, “No one wants Ivanka here doing a photo-op tour while we’re trying to repair and find our missing friends and family.”
Probably calling her investment banker to buy stock in Bounty or Brawny.
— Blue All The Way in 2024 (@kene0222) October 2, 2024
No one wants Ivanka here doing a photo-op tour while we’re trying to repair and find our missing friends and family.
— Dreamland 🇺🇸🇺🇦🏳️🌈🪶 (@Skylark_NC) October 2, 2024
Some people also noted that the Trump family has a history of acting like they are still in power. @soappman tweeted, “Am I the only one who notices how they keep showing up trying to act like they are diplomats and government officials?” This response highlights how disconnected many feel the Trumps are from the real struggles people face, especially during disasters.
Am I the only one who notices how they keep showing up trying to act like they are diplomats and government officials?
— Patty (@soappman) October 2, 2024
Even though FEMA has delivered millions of liters of water to North Carolina, many people are still struggling. Local officials are working hard to repair the water systems, but it will take time. Meanwhile, people are boiling water from streams and using whatever they can find to survive. Asheville, a city known for its clean water, has had to distribute emergency water supplies, and families are filling up bottles wherever they can.
Back in 2005, President George W. Bush was widely criticized for his slow response to Hurricane Katrina. He was seen flying over New Orleans in a plane while people were suffering below. The same kind of disconnect is being felt now with Ivanka’s visit to North Carolina.
In times of crisis, people need real help, not empty gestures. While the people of North Carolina are working hard to survive and rebuild, Ivanka’s presence felt like just another PR moment rather than a genuine effort to help.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery