Trump Praises Response to Hurricane

President Donald Trump touched down in Puerto Rico on Tuesday and highlighted what he describes as the federal government's effective response to the storm despite criticism of a sluggish effort since Hurricane Maria devastated the island nearly two weeks ago.

"You can be very proud" of relief and live-saving efforts, Trump told local officials and emergency responders on the ground in San Juan.

Trump, who is accompanied on the trip by first lady Melania Trump, attended a briefing with with San Juan Mayor Yulin Cruz, who has been sharply critical of Trump, and other local officials. The president shook the mayor's hand at the briefing.

He also praised Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo A. Rosselló for speaking positively about the federal government's efforts on the island. The governor is "not even from my party," Trump said. "Right from the beginning, this governor did not play politics.

He didn't play it at all." Instead, the president said, the governor's praise was a sign that he was "saying it like it was."

Trump compared the 16 people who died in Puerto Rico as a result of the storm to the "thousands" that perished after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005.

Residents, many of whom have been without water, electricity, housing and basic necessities, said that that he has been late in coming and that the federal government’s response has been slow.

UCJ, UNILORIN.