Smoky Mountain News: “Whatley, charged by Trump to ensure things ‘go well,’ has done little to alter the fundamental trajectory of Helene recovery.”

It’s been one week since DC insider and Big Oil lobbyist Michael Whatley was called out in the Smoky Mountain News for leaving Western North Carolinians behind in his role as the federal government’s Helene “recovery czar.” Whatley has still not answered to Western North Carolinians for his failure to deliver federal relief.

In the eight months since he was tapped to “lead” the federal response, Whatley has “rarely, if ever” been seen in Helene’s disaster zone. In fact, his “most substantial activity” has been sitting on the FEMA Review Council, which has only held three public meetings.

“DC insider Michael Whatley’s actions make clear that delivering for North Carolinians is his last priority,” said Mallory Payne, senior communications advisor at the North Carolina Democratic Party. “Whatley completely deserted Western North Carolina after being tapped as recovery czar and has failed to deliver as communities are still waiting for federal relief.” 

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