New York Periods: Trump deemed advertising Puerto Rico subsequent Hurricane Maria, former performing Homeland Security chief claims

New York Times: Trump considered selling Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, former acting Homeland Security chief says

“The President’s first thoughts ended up much more of as a businessman, you know,” Elaine Duke, who was serving as DHS’ performing secretary when the hurricane hit the island in September 2017, told the Situations.

“‘Can we outsource the energy? Can we can we market the island? You know, or divest of that asset?'” Trump reportedly stated, according to Duke in the newspaper job interview. “(She claimed the plan of promoting Puerto Rico was hardly ever very seriously considered or reviewed immediately after Mr. Trump lifted it.),” the paper reported.

Trump has had a fraught record with the US territory given that Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria. Virtually 3,000 folks died as a consequence of the storm and aftereffects, such as prevalent electric power outages.

Trump has earlier taken intention at Puerto Rican officers for their administration of the billions in relief money his administration has appropriated for storm recovery, accusing the island’s leaders of paying out some of that funds for good reasons other than hurricane clean-up. In November 2018, White Property officers informed congressional leaders and appropriators that the President did not want any additional relief funding sent to the island.

Trump has persistently denied any fault for his administration in the aftermath of the storm. The President has alternatively sought praise for his dealing with of Hurricane Maria, calling it “an remarkable, unsung results” past 12 months.

CNN’s Maegan Vazquez, Sarah Westwood and Elizabeth Landers contributed to this report.