Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump went to Louisiana to survey damage from the recent storms.
GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump was in Louisiana to survey the damage done from a deluge of rain that resulted in widespread flooding, using the opportunity to slam President Barack Obama who has not yet visited the area — but will on Tuesday.
Obama has been in Martha’s Vineyard, where he received updates on the situation in Louisiana from the DHS and FEMA, whose top officials had made trips there, according to a statement from the president.
Trump stopped to tour one home in Denham Springs that had been flooded alongside his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.
Obama has been criticized for not immediately touring the flood-damaged areas. He has argued that a presidential visit would interfere with first responders. He signed a Louisiana disaster declaration five days ago that would make federal funding available in the Baton Rouge area for cleanup and repair.
Here is the statement from the White House:
“This morning, President Obama received an update from DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson on the ongoing response and recovery efforts to the severe flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, following the Secretary’s trip to the region on Thursday. During his visit, Secretary Johnson met with state and local officials, viewed the ongoing response and recovery efforts, and visited local shelters where those impacted by the flooding are receiving food and disaster-caused needs.
“While in Martha’s Vineyard, the President has received updates on the situation in Louisiana, including from the DHS Secretary and the FEMA Administrator, who took separate trips there. 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. Additional details will be announced in the coming days. The President is mindful of the impact that his travel has on first responders and wants to ensure that his presence does not interfere with ongoing recovery efforts. He is also eager to get a first-hand look at the impact of the devastating floods, hear from more officials about the response, including how the federal government can assist and tell the people of Louisiana that the American people will be with them as they rebuild their community and come back stronger than ever.”
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