President Trump traveled to Texas on Tuesday to assess the damage that Hurricane Harvey has had on the state and provide comforting words to the people of Texas. He also made sure to boast of his win by saying that he will also be visiting Missouri.
I will be going to Texas as soon as that trip can be made without causing disruption. The focus must be life and safety.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
I will also be going to a wonderful state, Missouri, that I won by a lot in '16. Dem C.M. is opposed to big tax cuts. Republican will win S!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
It is safe to say that he, yet again, failed in his attempt to boost morale during a time of crisis.
Trump delivered an impromptu speech, managing not to convey a single ounce of empathy or solidarity, but unfailingly pointed out the masses of people who showed up to listen to him speak. Much like a celebrity thanking fans after a concert, Trump, while repping a white U.S.A. cap from his campaign merchandise, said, “I just want to say: We love you. You are special….What a crowd. What a turnout.”
Trump, who is usually quick to call for federal action, has been uncharacteristically slow to do so in the case of Harvey. Mexico has offered to provide aid to Texas and while the governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, immediately accepted, he was still pending approval from the commander-in-chief. Trump promises to give Texas financial aid, as he told a Texas reporter during a press conference that “You’re going to get your funding.” However, it is worth noting that Trump’s vice president, Mike Pence, while he was a representative in Congress, advocated for cutting federal spending to help pay the costs of rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, rather than adding more federal money for emergencies without expecting any offsets to be made to pay for them.
Rather than expressing unity and support for the state of Texas, President Trump has kept busy by live-tweeting updates on the hurricane, much in the style of a sports commentator.
Just arrived at Camp David, where I am monitoring the path and doings of Hurricane Harvey (as it strengthens to a Class 3). 125 MPH winds!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2017
Wonderful coordination between Federal, State and Local Governments in the Great State of Texas – TEAMWORK! Record setting rainfall.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2017
HISTORIC rainfall in Houston, and all over Texas. Floods are unprecedented, and more rain coming. Spirit of the people is incredible.Thanks!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
Despite the president’s unresponsiveness, Americans have been coming together to help Texas through this natural disaster. If you are able to help out financially, you can find legitimate organizations to donate to here. You can also volunteer at the following locations.
Photo: Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead
