San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz is shutting down White House claims that the federal government is doing all it can to support Puerto Ricans after Hurricane Maria completely devastated the U.S. territory over a week ago.
Cruz slammed Elaine Duke, acting secretary of Homeland Security, over her Thursday comments, which lauded the amazing federal response to the disaster.
I know its a hard storm to recover from, Duke told reporters outside the White House. But I know it is really a good news story in terms of our ability to reach people and the limited number of deaths that have taken place in such a devastating hurricane.
But the situation continues to be dire as people in need await aid deliveries, said Cruz, who was shocked and appalled by Dukes statement.
Maybe from where shes standing its a good news story, Cruz said on CNN s New Day Friday. When you are drinking from a creek, its not a good news story.
Im sorry, but that really upsets me and frustrates me, she continued, holding back tears. Frankly, its an irresponsible statement. ... Damn it, this is not a good news story. This is a people are dying story. This is a life or death story. ... This is a story of a devastation that continues to worsen because people are not getting food and water.
If I could scream it a lot more louder its not a good news story when people are dying when they dont have dialysis, and when the generators arent working and the oxygen is not providing for them. Where is there good news here?
Its been more than a week since Maria ripped through Puerto Rico as a powerful Category 5 hurricane the strongest storm to hit the island in over 80 years. There have been at least 16 Maria-related deaths on Puerto Rico, though experts said they expect the death toll to rise as recovery efforts continue.
Let's get it done. ... Where theres a will, theres a way. Isnt that the American way of doing things?
- Carmen Yulin Cruz, mayor of San Juan
President Donald Trump has come under fire over his response to the disaster. He tweeted over a dozen times last weekend about the NFL, yet didnt mention Puerto Rico once on the social media platform during that time. The president pushed back against claims from lawmakers who suggested he ought to spend more time focused on disaster relief and less on the football players protesting during the national anthem.
I have plenty of time on my hands, Trump said Tuesday during a news conference when asked if he was too distracted by the NFL to focus on Puerto Rico. All I do is work .
The seemingly contradictory statements were followed up Friday with tweets, in which the president quoted Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossellos statement about the federal governments relief efforts.
Cruz isnt buying it though. She made another desperate appeal to Trump on Friday, asking him to step up the response efforts and figure out a way to deliver much-needed aid to struggling Puerto Ricans, despite logistical issues.
Thank you for calling San Juan yesterday and listening for our May Day call, said Cruz, speaking directly to Trump through CNN. There are 77 other towns that are waiting anxiously and will be very grateful to you and to the American people if you continue to step up to the moral imperative that you have taken on all over the world to help those in need.
So help us, she continued. I know he can do it because he did it yesterday with San Juan. Somebody heard me. They just came to San Juan and things started moving and rolling. But this has to happen on a continuous basis for the entire island of Puerto Rico.
Support Free Journalism
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
Lets get it done. ... Lets put a crew of people out there with enough equipment and lets just push things out of the way and move. Where theres a will, theres a way. Isnt that the American way of doing things? You never get distracted by the obstacles and move ahead and push on and show the world what you can do. Lets show them. Lets just show them one more time what the U.S. can do.
Support Free Journalism
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
_(720p).jpg)
 OFFICIAL HD MUSIC VIDEO.jpg)
.jpg)
