In an effort to show the federal government is prepared for Hurricane Florence, Donald Trump staged a photo-op in the Oval Office with the director of FEMA, the Vice President, the director of Homeland Security and lots of maps. At first, he seemed to state the obvious. The President said Florence was “tremendously big and tremendously wet.”
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a statement by the President of the United States:
"It's tremendously big and tremendously wet,” Trump says in Oval Office during a briefing with the FEMA chief on Hurricane Florence.— Jim Messina (@Messina2012) September 11, 2018
He also said the government was “totally prepared.” But, then Trump began answering questions.
As the East Coast prepares for Hurricane Florence, Trump says his administration's response to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico was "incredibly successful…it was one of the best jobs that's ever been done" pic.twitter.com/7qdTihstPB
— Axios (@axios) September 11, 2018
The question was on Puerto Rico and Hurricane Maria, where officials now admit nearly 3000 people died and thousands were without electricity for months. Nonetheless, Trump called the response “incredibly successful.” The people of Puerto Rico might disagree and also take issue with Trump’s remarks today that the government would “spare no expense” and “whatever it takes we’re going to do” to help victims of Florence.
“Success? Federal response according to Trump in Puerto Rico a success? If he thinks the death of 3,000 people [is] a success God help us all.” –Carmen Yulín Cruz, mayor of San Juan
“To the incredible citizens of North Carolina, South Carolina and the entire East Coast — the storm looks very bad! Please take all necessary precautions. We have already began mobilizing our assets to respond accordingly, and we are here for you!” Trump said.