Trump starts GoFundMe for Helene victims

Former President Trump raised more than $1 million on Monday to help victims of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

A GoFundMe page was launched by the Trump campaign following the former president's visit to troubled Georgia, where he toured hard-hit areas left behind in Helene's wake.

“As so many in the southeastern United States face challenges in the wake of the storm, President Trump is on the ground in communities to see the consequences firsthand,” the page says. “All donations will benefit the people most affected by Hurricane Helene. Any level of generosity will be of great benefit to your fellow suffering Americans.”

FOX CORPORATION LAUNCHES FUNDRAISER FOR AMERICAN RED CROSS HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks outside the Chez What furniture store while visiting Valdosta, Georgia, a city hit by Hurricane Helene, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Donors included former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., who gave $500,000. Bass Pro Shop, known for its chain of wilderness-themed stores and a wide selection of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, donated $100,000.

A donor named Dana White, believed to be the CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, a close friend of Trump and a speaker at this year's Republican National Convention, also gave $100,000.

Hedge fund billionaire William Ackman also pledged $100,000. Other donors included Kid Rock, U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wy., and personal injury attorney Dan Newlin.

BIDEN GETS DEFENSIVE WHEN PRESSED ON RESPONSE TO HURRICANE HELENE

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump listens as Rev. Franklin Graham speaks outside the Chez What furniture store while visiting Valdosta, Georgia, a city hit by Hurricane Helene on Monday, September 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (AP)

Trump visited Valdosta, Georgia, on Monday and criticized the federal response to the disaster there.

“Our hearts are with you and we will be with you as long as you need it,” he said, flanked by a group of elected officials and Republican supporters.

President Biden criticized his predecessor for “lying” about federal contacts with Georgia officials during the response.

President Biden said he planned to visit Asheville, North Carolina, days after Helene devastated the area. (Left: REUTERS/Anna Rose Layden / Right: Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

“I don’t know why he’s doing this,” Biden said. “I don’t care what he says about me, but I do care what he says to people in need. It implies that we are not doing everything that is possible. That's what we do. That’s what we do.”

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On Monday, Biden said he would visit Asheville, North Carolina, to assess the damage caused by Helene.

The death toll in Helene exceeded 100 on Monday evening.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.