Cars line up for fuel at a gas station as Tropical Storm Dorian approaches in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico August 27, 2019.
Ricardo Arduengo | REUTERS
President Donald Trump criticized Puerto Rico on Wednesday as Tropical Storm Dorian threatened to descend on the island.
“Puerto Rico is one of the most corrupt places on earth. Their political system is broken and their politicians are either Incompetent or Corrupt. Congress approved Billions of Dollars last time, more than anyplace else has ever gotten, and it is sent to Crooked Pols. No good!” Trump wrote in a post on Twitter.
“And by the way, I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to Puerto Rico!” he wrote.
Trump was criticized for his administration’s handling of the crisis response to the island in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017. He has since lashed out against Puerto Rico’s leadership, including San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz, over funding issues and other matters.
Earlier in the day, the president wrote that the White House was “tracking closely tropical storm Dorian as it heads, as usual, to Puerto Rico.”
“FEMA and all others are ready, and will do a great job. When they do, let them know it, and give them a big Thank You – Not like last time. That includes from the incompetent Mayor of San Juan!” he wrote.
The island’s governor did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Cruz, in a post on Twitter, said: “Trump needs to be quite, ‘calm down’ get out of the way and make way for those of us who are actually doing the work on the ground. Maybe Trump will understand this time around THIS IS NOT ABOUT HIM; THIS IS NOT ABOUT POLITICS; THIS IS ABOUT SAVING LIVES.”
This is breaking news. Check back for updates.
