He also boosted the morale of those who are affected by these floods before he left Louisiana early in the afternoon and flew to MI.
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On Friday, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said in a statement that the president wanted to get a “first-hand look at the impact of the devastating floods”, which have led to the deaths of at least 13 people and damaged 40,000 homes.
“We welcome the president anytime he wants to visit, and I’m glad he waited until Tuesday because the recovery will be started in earnest”, Edwards said.
The GOP nominee and his running mate Mike Pence, the governor of IN, spent about three hours Friday touring Baton Rouge, where flood waters have forced schools, roads and businesses closed for days.
“Thank you for coming, Mr. Trump”, one woman screamed.
The president, who signed a disaster declaration on Monday to release federal aid to the area, sent Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Craig Fugate in his stead, and has received regular updates on the situation and response, the White House said.
Earlier in the week, Obama had been called on by Republicans and some in Louisiana to cut short his vacation in Martha’s Vineyard to visit Baton Rouge. When it was announced that #Donald Trump would be taking a trip to Baton Rouge, many questioned his motives, which were revealed during a meeting with reporters.
President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk from the White House on August 6 to board Marine One, en route to Martha’s Vineyard for a family vacation.
Trump’s own visit was a departure for the candidate, who has largely avoided the kind of unscripted, intimate interactions that power most candidates’ early primary campaigns.
“We’re glad you’re not playing golf in Martha’s Vineyard”.
The planned trip to tour the flood devastation will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 23, the White House says. Edwards’ spokesman Richard Carbo said in a statement that “we hope he’ll consider volunteering or making a sizable donation to the LA Flood Relief Fund to help the victims of this storm”. It also came after Friday’s visit to the region by Republican nominee Donald Trump, who called for a more robust national response.
Trump also chastised President Obama for not yet visiting Louisiana, saying he should “get off the golf course and get down there”.
For much of Thursday, senior White House officials said a presidential visit could siphon away resources needed to help those suffering.
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“My heart breaks for Louisiana, and right now, the relief effort can’t afford any distractions”, she said on Facebook, directing people to support organizations providing assistance.
