Story perspectives

Trump Campaigns in North Carolina for Senate Candidate Whatley

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 2:38 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Trump Campaigns NC

U.S. President Donald Trump will campaign Wednesday in North Carolina for Senate candidate Michael Whatley.
Whatley trails Gov. Roy Cooper 49% to 38% among voters in an Elon poll.
Trump’s approval in North Carolina is 31% and 54% disapproving, per the poll.
Republicans have spent over $50 million on the Senate race while Democrats have spent $35.2 million.
Rally will take place at Gastonia Municipal Airport in the Charlotte suburb of Gastonia.

Summary

Melania Talks AI

Melania Trump will address elementary-school students in Ashe County, North Carolina, emphasizing AI and technology in education.
The event is scheduled to begin at 11:40 a.m. EDT.
The visit highlights community resiliency and prepares youth for success in the digital era.
It marks her first western North Carolina trip since touring Hurricane Helene damage in January 2025.

History

Historical Context

Donald Trump’s 49.83% win in North Carolina on November 8 2016, a 3.66-point margin that flipped seven counties, turned the state from a long-time Republican stronghold into a swing battleground and helped Republicans retain the governorship until Pat McCrory’s loss to Democrat Roy Cooper that year. The 2025 Senate race now echoes that 2016 focus, with Trump endorsing Michael Whatley and fundraising intensifying.

1 of 3

Trump Campaigns NC

U.S. President Donald Trump will campaign Wednesday in North Carolina for Senate candidate Michael Whatley.
Whatley trails Gov. Roy Cooper 49% to 38% among voters in an Elon poll.
Trump’s approval in North Carolina is 31% and 54% disapproving, per the poll.
Republicans have spent over $50 million on the Senate race while Democrats have spent $35.2 million.
Rally will take place at Gastonia Municipal Airport in the Charlotte suburb of Gastonia.

1 / 3