DHS Secretary Visits Western North Carolina After Hurricane Helene

Markwayne Mullin promises more federal aid for rebuilding efforts in region hit by $60 billion in damages.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:49pm

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A serene, nostalgic painting of a lone American flag hanging on a weathered wooden post, the fabric worn and tattered, bathed in warm, golden sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of melancholy and perseverance in the aftermath of a natural disaster.The emotional discovery of a tattered American flag in the flood waters after Hurricane Helene underscores the resilience and patriotism of the storm-ravaged region.Today in Raleigh

The new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, visited western North Carolina on Tuesday to hear from state lawmakers and local leaders about their biggest needs following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Mullin toured ongoing recovery projects and pledged more federal assistance for rebuilding homes, addressing insurance issues, and managing floodplains in the region that suffered roughly $60 billion in damages a year and a half ago.

Why it matters

The visit by the DHS Secretary so early in his tenure signals that the federal government has not forgotten the plight of western North Carolina residents struggling to recover from the historic hurricane. Lawmakers are hopeful Mullin's attention and promised aid will help accelerate the rebuilding process in their districts.

The details

Before touring a few ongoing recovery projects, Secretary Mullin met with state lawmakers and local leaders to be briefed on their most pressing needs, including rebuilding homes, insurance matters, floodplain management, and other areas where the DHS can provide support. Some lawmakers also requested policy changes to expedite recovery work in their own districts.

  • Hurricane Helene struck the western North Carolina region roughly 18 months ago, causing an estimated $60 billion in damages.
  • Secretary Mullin visited the region on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

The new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who visited western North Carolina to assess recovery efforts and pledge more federal aid following Hurricane Helene.

Congressman Tim Moore

A North Carolina lawmaker who said Mullin's visit sends an important message that Washington has not forgotten the region.

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What they’re saying

“That sends a very important message to the folks here that Washington is not forgetting this area.”

— Congressman Tim Moore

“The flag should be framed and hung permanently, and I'll offer to pay for that for the fire department.”

— Secretary Markwayne Mullin

What’s next

Secretary Mullin pledged to continue working with North Carolina lawmakers and local leaders to ensure western North Carolina receives the federal support needed to fully recover from Hurricane Helene.

The takeaway

The DHS Secretary's early visit to the hurricane-ravaged region of western North Carolina demonstrates the federal government's commitment to supporting long-term rebuilding efforts and not letting the area be forgotten, even as it grapples with the immense scale of the damages.