The Washington Examiner reports:
President Trump told residents of Puerto Rico not to believe the “fake news” media regarding the federal response to Hurricane Maria, and said the administration is “getting great marks” for its recovery efforts. Trump has been criticized for his response to the crisis in Puerto Rico, and Democrats accused the president of paying more attention to NFL athletes who kneel for the national anthem than to the people of Puerto Rico.
Earlier in the day Saturday, the president attacked San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz and said she demonstrated poor leadership as the island tries to recover. But Trump had high praise for the governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rossello, and Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, two people he was scheduled to speak with over the phone Saturday from his golf resort in Bedminster, N.J.
More from Salon:
Following President Donald Trump’s latest Twitter attack, this time on San Juan mayor, Carmen Yulin Cruz, the White House suggested she may be doing too many television appearances to be part of the aid assistance efforts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency command center.
The president is scheduled to make a visit to Puerto Rico on Tuesday, and when asked if he would meet with Cruz after his derogatory and baseless claims, a White House official said, “not sure,” according to ABC News.
The official added the Cruz “has been invited to FEMA command center several times to see operations and be part of efforts but so far has refused to come, maybe too busy doing TV?”
Despite the Fake News Media in conjunction with the Dems, an amazing job is being done in Puerto Rico. Great people!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2017
The Governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rossello, is a great guy and leader who is really working hard. Thank you Ricky!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2017
Just spoke to Governor Kenneth Mapp of the U.S. Virgin Islands who stated that #FEMA and Military are doing a GREAT job! Thank you Governor!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2017
Congresswoman Jennifer Gonzalez-Colon of Puerto Rico has been wonderful to deal with and a great representative of the people. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2017
To the people of Puerto Rico:
Do not believe the #FakeNews!#PRStrong??— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2017
My Administration, Governor @RicardoRossello, and many others are working together to help the people of Puerto Rico in every way…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2017
……#FakeNews critics are working overtime, but we’re getting great marks from the people that truly matter! #PRStrong??
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2017
We must all be united in offering assistance to everyone suffering in Puerto Rico and elsewhere in the wake of this terrible disaster.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2017
The Mayor of San Juan is wading through sewage, searching for people with a bullhorn while @realDonaldTrump insults her on twitter. pic.twitter.com/hO5iZ1PICj
— Jason Kander (@JasonKander) September 30, 2017
Millions without electricity across NY & NJ. The media has covered for Obama’s massive failure. Can you imagine if this was another Pres?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 7, 2012
Results of recovery efforts will speak much louder than complaints by San Juan Mayor. Doing everything we can to help great people of PR!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2017