Today, DC insider Michael Whatley was met with protesters at a FEMA “Listening Session” that was closed to the public and press.

The protest came just hours after more than 100 Western North Carolinians called for Whatley to be replaced on the FEMA Review Council for leaving them behind as Whatley fails to deliver federal Hurricane Helene relief. 

Since the President named Whatley “recovery czar” nine months ago, there has been “growing frustration” from Western North Carolinians, who have “express[ed] anger” at Whatley for being “absent” and saying he “is to blame” for the delays. 

Even Ted Budd and Chuck Edwards sounded the alarm over the delays in federal relief, with Budd calling it a “problem” that “should not have been allowed.” 

“Michael Whatley has refused to show up for Western North Carolinians over the last nine months and now, as both sides of the aisle sound the alarm, Whatley still can’t be bothered to listen to communities that are still struggling after Hurricane Helene,” said Mallory Payne, senior communications advisor for the North Carolina Democratic Party. “Whatley is showing us exactly what kind of Senator he would be – one that delivers for billionaires and special interests but couldn’t care less about North Carolina.”

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