Relief efforts are working on the ground, both ahead of and in the wake of current disasters, following the Texas floods from Hurricane Harvey, and now with Hurricanes Irma and Jose.
Troops are currently responding to the “significant” levels of destruction caused by Hurricane Irma throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands and other Caribbean islands, according to DOD. In Florida, they are preparing for search and rescue efforts, for relief efforts, and to provide medical support.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/906634384702291968
After opening prayers from Vice President Mike Pence, Trump addressed the cabinet, saying that while Irma is a serious threat, ‘We’re as prepared as you can be for such an event.”
“All of America grieves for those who have already lost their lives,” he said, adding that the United States will continue its recovery efforts in Texas and Louisiana, and said he “already approved emergency declarations in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was really hit badly. I looked at the damage this morning.”
“Property is replaceable, but lives are not. And safety has to come first,” Trump said, adding that his administration is monitoring the crisis around the clock, and is in constant communication with governors and other officials.
Trump has been giving regular updates on the hurricanes on Twitter, and through official channels. He stated on Sept. 9, “The U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA and all Federal and State brave people are ready. Here comes Irma. God bless everyone!”
Disaster Response of Previous Presidents
Trump’s response to the disasters stands in contrast to former president Barack Obama’s response to the Aug. 2016 floods in Louisiana, which killed 13 people and damaged an estimated 40,000 homes.Obama was criticized for taking a vacation and golfing on Martha’s Vineyard while Americans in Louisiana 1,600 miles away faced the worst U.S. natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy.
However, Bush’s response in 2005 was significantly stronger than Obama’s in 2016. As the Independent Journal Review reported, at the time, Bush spoke to the nation prior to the storm, and preemptively declared a federal state of emergency in Louisiana, freeing funds and assets to assist with preparations.
While the Obama administration did declare an emergency in Louisiana, Obama did not release a public statement. According to the Independent Journal Review, Obama had also attended a $10,000-per-couple, closed-door fundraiser for Hillary Clinton, and while he took the opportunity to criticize Trump, he again made no mention of Louisiana.
Following the comment, Obama announced he would visit the victims, and declared that his delay was to ensure his presence wouldn’t interfere with first responders.
Friends Read Free