Trump signs Ohio disaster declaration day before Vandalia rally amid 15 pending requests
President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Ohio on October 2, 2026, the day before a campaign rally in Vandalia. The aid covers severe storms and 17 tornadoes from August, affecting seven counties. Democrats criticize the timing as political, noting 15 other disaster requests were pending. Local officials and residents are now accessing federal assistance through new recovery centers.