It's been just a month since Hurricane Maria ripped though Puerto Rico causing damage that has never been seen before in the island's history. After receiving criticism over his response to the storm, Donald Trump took time to lash out again on social media.
Trump on Puerto Rico
Following the impact of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, and Hurricane Irma in Cuba and Florida, Hurricane Maria touched down in Puerto Rico. Nearly the entire island lost power, with food and water becoming limited to those searching for them. As of press time, the death toll has reached 34, with thousands being forced to flee their homes to find safer grounds.
Donald Trump's response came late, as critics were quick to point out that the president was spending more time on his feud with the National Football League as opposed to helping those in need. When the former host of "The Apprentice" did respond, he was quick to troll Puerto Rico due to their debt to the United States, in addition to attacking the Mayor of San Juan on Twitter. The media covered all aspects of Trump's remarks and visit to the island, but the president wasn't pleased with how the press reported. As seen on his Twitter account on October 8, Trump ripped the media for not treating him fairly, while attaching a video of his efforts.
Nobody could have done what I’ve done for #PuertoRico with so little appreciation. So much work! pic.twitter.com/k2jAkIpfjI
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017
Taking to Twitter on Sunday night, Donald Trump blasted the media and his critics for not giving him the proper credit for how he has responded to the hurricane in Puerto Rico.
"Nobody could have done what I’ve done for #PuertoRico with so little appreciation," Trump tweeted, before adding, "So much work!" Trump added the aforementioned video, which ran nearly nine minutes in length and included the recovery efforts by the United States, as well as clips from the president's recent stop on the island.
Twitter reacts
Not long after Donald Trump sent out his tweet, those who oppose the president wasted no time giving their thoughts. "People are dying. It's not about you. Jesus Christ," one tweet read.
What did you actually accomplish? Throwing a few paper towels with supreme accuracy?
— Impeach Donald Trump (@Impeach_D_Trump) October 8, 2017
I am shocked at how little empathy you have for human life. You only care about you, you, you.
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) October 8, 2017
"With all due disrespect Mr.
President, you're a complete disgrace asking appreciation for botching the humanitarian response to Puerto Rico," Eugene Gu posted. "People who actually accomplish things don't have to brag about them," another Twitter user added.
You wasted time & tax dollars to create a huge shitshow for drama, when Americans are going without clean water. You should be ashamed, but instead you are bragging and once again asking for praise FOR YOURSELF
— Alt Fed Employee (@Alt_FedEmployee) October 8, 2017
You continue to divide the country and then brag about doing nothing!
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) October 8, 2017
People are dying. It's not about you. Jesus Christ.
— Charles Smith (@Charlesesmith) October 8, 2017
"Stop bragging about what you did in PR.
People are still starving and thirsty. Let's see you go live in those conditions," an additional tweet noted. "The mayor of San Juan is currently still begging for help and you are busy coordinating a million dollar NFL drama with your VP," yet another social media user stated. As the negative reaction continued, it showed that many Americans were not impressed with how Donald Trump has handled the aftermath of the storm in Puerto Rico.
