Sep 29, 2017 - Politics & Policy

Trump on Puerto Rico: "We're literally starting from scratch"

President Trump began his tax speech today by addressing the recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. He vowed to stand by the people until they are safe, and acknowledged that the both Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have been "wiped out" and rebuilding must start from scratch.

Other key quotes:

  • "We've never seen a situation like this. The electrical grid and other infrastructure were already in poor shape they were at their life's end prior to the hurricane. And now virtually everything has been wiped out and we will have to start all over again."
  • "Ultimately the government of Puerto Rico will have to work with us to determine how this massive rebuilding effort will end up being one of the biggest ever will be funded and organized."
  • "We will not rest until the people of Puerto Rico are safe. These are great people."
Go deeper