Still reeling in a world turned upside-down by the most damaging storm in state history, she finds herself open to President Donald Trump's suggestion about “getting rid of” FEMA. That is a common sentiment in the mountains of western North Carolina,

President Donald Trump's suggestion about “getting rid of” the nation's disaster relief agency doesn't sound like a bad idea for some residents of western North Carolina who are still navigating the long recovery process from Hurricane Helene.

Emily Russell remembers feeling hopeful after she managed to get an appointment with the Federal Emergency Management Agency not long after Hurricane Helene ripped though her home in Swannanoa, North Carolina.

Months after Tropical Storm Helene hit Western North Carolina, hundreds remain in FEMA's Transitional Sheltering Assistance program.

FEMA is meant to be a first line, providing temporary housing and funding for repairs while insurance foots most of the bill. It is not the message residents heard initially, when politicians, including then-President Joe Biden,

FEMA is meant to be a first line, providing temporary housing and funding for repairs while insurance foots most of the bill.

Frustrations over the flow of aid have led some North Carolinians to express support for the agency's elimination.

President Donald Trump has threatened to dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Some in flood-ravaged western North Carolina say they wouldn't miss it. (AP Video/Allen Breed)

Months after Tropical Storm Helene hit Western North Carolina, hundreds remain in FEMA's Transitional Sheltering Assistance program.

Trump's idea of "getting rid" of FEMA doesn't sound too bad for some in western North Carolina still navigating the long recovery process after Helene.

President Donald Trump has threatened to dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Some in flood-ravaged western North Carolina say they wouldn't miss it.

Emily Russell remembers feeling hopeful after she managed to get an appointment with the Federal Emergency Management Agency not long after Hurricane Helene ripped though her home in Swannanoa, North