PREZ TO
Tells storm victims to pay debts
AFTER A weekend of silence on the human suffering in Puerto Rico — but plenty to say about the NFL — President Trump weighed in Monday with a tweet that lamented the Caribbean island’s poor infrastructure and fragile finances.
But despite recognizing Puerto Rico’s peril, the President made no offer of any economic aid.
“Texas & Florida are doing great but Puerto Rico, which was already suffering from broken infrastructure & massive debt, is in deep trouble,” Trump observed.
“It’s (sic) old electrical grid, which was in terrible shape, was devastated. Much of the Island was destroyed, with billions of dollars . . . . owed to Wall Street and the banks which, sadly, must be dealt with. Food, water and medical are top priorities — and doing well. #FEMA,” he said.
Puerto Rico, a U.S territory, earlier this year filed the biggest government bankruptcy in American history after sinking into $72 billion worth of debt.
The last time Trump tweeted about Maria — which has left most of the 3.4 million residents without power and scarce food and water — was the day after the Category 4 storm hit the island.
“Governor @RicardoRosselloWe are with you and the people of Puerto Rico. Stay safe! #PRStrong,” he wrote Wednesday.
His Monday tweet came as the U.S. mainland finally revved up its response to the crisis.
The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the White House homeland security adviser flew to San Juan on Monday, where flights were still infrequent and phone communication spotty.
Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello — who spent the weekend urgently calling for more emergency assistance — thanked FEMA head Brock Long and homeland security adviser Tom Bossert for making the trip to the devastated island.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do. We realize that,” said Long.
Top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi urged President Trump on Monday to deploy the military to Puerto Rico, where many roads are buried under debris and power likely won’t be back on for a month. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said any relief bill for