Trump Seeks To Cut Aid To “Ungrateful” Puerto Rico

The Washington Post reports:

At an Oval Office meeting on Feb. 22, Trump asked top advisers for ways to limit federal support from going to Puerto Rico, believing it is taking money that should be going to the mainland, according to senior administration officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share details of the presidents’ private remarks.

The meeting — an afternoon session focused on Department of Housing and Urban Development grants — ended abruptly, and Trump has continued to ask aides how much money the island will get. Then, Trump said he wanted the money to only fortify the electric grid there.

Trump has also privately signaled he will not approve any additional help for Puerto Rico beyond the food-stamp money, setting up a congressional showdown with Democrats who have pushed for more expansive help for the island.

According to the above-linked report, during staff meetings Trump has repeatedly claimed that large parts of Puerto Rico never had electricity to begin with. He has also complained that officials there have failed to sufficiently thank him for the aid already received.