President Donald Trump and Melania Trump arrive on Air Force One at the Muniz Air National Guard Base for a visit after Hurricane Maria hit the island. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Any time President Donald Trump’s ego is bruised, he heads to Twitter to air out his grievances. So it’s no surprise that as the federal government comes under scrutiny for its insufficient efforts in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, he took to his preferred platform of choice to criticize those who say he hasn’t done enough to help la Isla del Encanto. “Nobody could have done what I’ve done for #PuertoRico with so little appreciation,” he wrote. “So much work!” The tweet came attached with a video highlighting rescue and aid endeavors.
Trump has continued to insist that recovery in Puerto Rico is moving at a fast space. But at a time when the number of deaths is still unclear, 40 percent of the island continues to go without water, and some have not received a single thing from the federal government, Trump’s tweet seems wildly inappropriate and tone deaf. He is taking attention from the real victims and asking for praise for doing his job.
As he tries to distract us from the truth and change the narrative of the government’s rescue efforts on the island, it’s important to follow reliable sources who are getting to the truth. Here are some Twitter accounts to follow:
1
Raquel Reichard
Raquel Reichard is a freelance journalist doing investigative reporting in Puerto Rico alongside Rosa Clemente and Kat Lazo.
Ruben has been providing water for his neighbors in Vega Baja because FEMA refused to deliver up the rocky hills where they live #PRontheMappic.twitter.com/ehkwYFEmpL
Editor’s Note: Raquel Reichard is a contributor for Remezcla.
2
David Begnaud
David Begnaud is a CBS News Correspondent, who has covered the storm from the beginning.
This was yesterday in Manatí, Puerto Rico – long lines as people fetched water from a pvc pipe that was tapped into a mountain stream pic.twitter.com/wzFqSIZskh
Though Julio Ricardo Varela isn’t reporting from Puerto Rico, he has used his platform to draw attention to the plight of those on the island. Follow him here.
40% of people have no water 43% of banks not open all commercial flights operating 23% of supermarkets still closed All via status.pr
Mariana Atencio is a Peabody Winning journalist. She’s currently a correspondent for MSNBC. Follow her here.
Mi gente, leaving #PuertoRico after nearly 2 weeks…but our commitment to cover this story is unwavering. This situation is far from over! pic.twitter.com/KTISOmYiqb
