As FEMA Head Is Forced to Step Down, Whatley’s Failures in NC Pile Up

Whatley is the Co-Chair of the FEMA Review Council’s Final Report Subcommittee

DC insider Michael Whatley’s FEMA failures are continuing to mount – this time, blowing through the November 16th deadline to submit the FEMA Review Council’s final report. Whatley was appointed Western North Carolina’s “recovery czar” and is the co-chair of the Final Report Subcommittee.

“Michael Whatley had the chance to step up for Western North Carolinians and has failed miserably at every part of the job. He couldn’t stand up to his fellow DC insiders to deliver relief for Helene victims, he couldn’t show up in the disaster zone, and now, he can’t submit a critical final report by the deadline,” said Mallory Payne, senior communications advisor at the North Carolina Democratic Party. “If this is Whatley’s idea of leadership, it’s clear he would deliver absolutely nothing for North Carolina in the U.S. Senate.” 

Since Michael Whatley was put in charge of federal Helene recovery efforts nearly 11 months ago, only 11 percent of needs have been met in Western North Carolina:

• Smoky Mountain News: Helene victims still waiting for Whatley
  • “Billions have been promised, but little has arrived. Whatley, charged by Trump to ensure things ‘go well,’ has done little to alter the fundamental trajectory of Helene recovery.”
• WYFF: More than 100 WNC residents request to remove Michael Whatley from FEMA Review Council
• WLOS: ‘Our needs are urgent’: WNC residents say Michael Whatley isn’t helping after Helene
• Charlotte Observer: Whatley invokes faith, Trump ties in WNC as Helene recovery remains incomplete
  • “Some protesters accused Whatley of prioritizing his campaign over helping Western North Carolina.”
• Smoky Mountain News: Whatley backs away from Helene role during first WNC visit
  • “His absence from storm-damaged areas, coupled with his reluctance to answer direct questions has eroded confidence in Whatley’s leadership.”
• Charlotte Observer: Michael Whatley brags about Helene recovery efforts in new ad. Here are the facts | Opinion 
  • “As far as anyone can tell, his participation in recovery efforts has been limited to his attendance at a few meetings…Needless to say, many western North Carolina residents are frustrated.”

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