President Trump announced that he will visit Alabama on Friday to comfort victims of the deadly tornadoes that tore through the state on Sunday afternoon.
“I’ll be heading to Alabama on Friday,” the president said on Tuesday while delivering remarks at a signing ceremony for an executive order on veteran suicide prevention.
The tornadoes killed 23 people, injured dozens more, and destroyed homes throughout Alabama. The most powerful tornado hit Lee County, Alabama and reached a wind speed of 170 miles per hour.
Trump said the storm’s devastation was “tragic” but highlighted the work that is being done in the affected areas.
“It’s been a tragic situation, but a lot of good work is being done,” Trump said.
Trump said he had been in constant contact with Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama and Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia. Kemp declared a state of emergency in Georgia on Monday.
“You know, we’ve been in constant touch with the governor, and also the governor of Georgia,” Trump said. “And so we’ll be going to the area — Alabama and the general area. We’ll see Governor Ivey. So, that’ll be on Friday.”
On Monday, Trump indicated he had directed FEMA to do the best it could for the state..
“FEMA has been told directly by me to give the A-Plus treatment to the Great State of Alabama and the wonderful people who have been so devastated by the Tornadoes,” Trump tweeted. “@GovernorKayIvey, one of the best in our Country, has been so informed. She is working closely with FEMA (and me!).”
