Despite his unauthorized visit, some Louisiana residents were glad that Trump visited their state because of the flood, which struck last week.
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Clinton and Republican Candidate Donald Trump had been conspicuous by their lack of comments on the flooding in Louisiana until Friday.
President Barack Obama said he was also eager for a firsthand look at the damage done by floods that damaged more than 40,000 homes and killed at least 13 people, announcing plans to visit Baton Rouge on Tuesday.
“Trump traveled across flood-ravaged areas through East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Ascension parishes, where piles of debris – water-logged couches, mattresses, baby cribs, televisions and other items – line the roadway”, the Advocate of Louisiana reported.
“The President today directed his team to coordinate with Louisiana officials to determine an appropriate time for him to visit, and together they have determined that the President will visit Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Tuesday, August 23rd”, a statement Friday afternoon from White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest reads.
Earlier this week, President Obama declared much of Louisiana to be a federal disaster, which freed up federal services and financial help.
But White House officials have pushed back on those who have compared it to former President George W. Bush’s reaction to Hurricane Katrina, pointing to the massive recovery operation underway by FEMA and regular updates Obama has been receiving on the situation throughout the week.
Republicans and some in Louisiana slammed the President for not visiting the flood-damaged area, criticizing him for not cutting short his vacation to deal with the crisis. The state expected 4,000 would still need refuge in shelters on Friday night.
“We’re talking about an terrible lot of people, which is why we are trying to turn on the assistance as soon as possible”, Edwards said at a news conference on Friday afternoon, offering details on temporary housing.
“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.
During his visit, Trump falsely claimed: “The president says he doesn’t want to go, he is trying to get out of a golf game”.
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“He took time out of his busy schedule to come here”, Kellie Michelli, who lost her home in the flood, but is the proud owner of an autographed Trump hat, told Reuters. During the September 11 attacks, I welcomed the leaders coming to view the devastation.
