VIDEO President Donald Trump Touts Puerto Rico Response As Mayor Begs For Help | The Last Word | MSNBC

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President Donald Trump Touts Puerto Rico Response As Mayor Begs For Help | The Last Word | MSNBC In an intense discussion on how Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, a video from MSNBC features San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz delivering a heart-wrenching critique of the federal response under President Donald Trump. The video captures the contrasting narratives about the rescue efforts following the hurricane, with Trump praising the federal response as "incredible," while Cruz declared the situation as dire, stating, "We are dying here."

Summary of Key Points:​

• Hurricane Aftermath: Following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Maria, around half of Puerto Rico's population continued without running water, and many hospitals remained closed, illustrating the urgent need for help.
• Dissonance in Responses: Trump tweeted about the excellent on-ground efforts while Cruz directly challenged this, emphasizing the lack of effective federal support and pleading for immediate federal aid.
• Criticism of Administration's Attitude: Cruz accused the Trump administration of inefficiency, revealing that locals were left waiting for crucial supplies, healthcare, and assistance despite the catastrophic nature of the disaster.
• Public Sentiment: Interviews conducted with local residents reflected Cruz's sentiments, indicating that people felt abandoned by FEMA and experienced immense struggles just to obtain essential resources, like fuel and food.
• Experiences of Relief Efforts: Reports conveyed that federal agencies and military assistance were remarkably less visible in Puerto Rico compared to efforts in mainland disasters, raising concerns about "benign neglect."

  Importance of the Discussion:​

  This discourse highlights the stark contrast in how disaster responses are conducted based on geographic and social considerations. The rhetoric of the Trump administration in asserting success amid a humanitarian crisis evokes past criticisms faced during Hurricane Katrina. The chronic lack of empathy showcased reflects systemic issues affecting territories like Puerto Rico, which faces challenges partly due to its political status and the perception of its residents as second-class citizens.

  Engage with the Community:​

  What are your thoughts on the government response to natural disasters in Puerto Rico compared to other states? Do you have experiences to share regarding disaster response in your area? Let's discuss how we can advocate for better support systems for affected regions.