Civic Register
| 10.12.17

Trump Tweets That Feds Can't Help in Puerto Rico 'Forever'

Join us and tell your reps how you feel!

What’s the story?

Another day, another set of Tweets from President Trump, and another flurry of responses. The notable part being, of course, that the president’s tweets, or the opinions expressed through them, have huge implications for Americans. This morning his focus was Puerto Rico, and the possibility of pulling Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff out of Puerto Rico.

There are approximately 3.5 million American citizens on the island and countless family members spread throughout the United States.

Why does it matter?

President Trump sent three tweets Thursday morning:

Politicians and pundits responded:

But some argued that media reports of the crisis in Puerto Rico are overblown, like Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA):

Fox News contributor Geraldo Rivera tweeted that the answer is Puerto Rico becoming a state:

Fox News contributor Brooke Singman tweeted out a Fox article:

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) did not acknowledge the president’s tweets, but did discuss House plans to vote on a disaster relief package Thursday:

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made no statements regarding Puerto Rico relief or the president’s tweets via Twitter or his website.

What do you think?

Were the president’s tweets an honest statement of the reality of the finite nature of federal resources? An inconsistent position compared to his statements on other disasters? A sign of a lack of empathy? What should Congress do to help Puerto Rico recover after the devastation? At what point would Puerto Rico be recovered enough for federal aid to be ended?

Tell us in the comments what you think, then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!

— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: AJ+ via Twitter)

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