Trump rates White House's hurricane response in Puerto Rico a '10'
- President Donald Trump met Thursday with Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello, and gave the federal government's hurricane recovery efforts a "10."
- The Trump administration has faced heavy criticism over its response to the hurricane, which many have viewed as insufficient in comparison to its response to recent hurricanes in Texas and Florida.
- The death toll in Puerto Rico is at 48, but expected to rise. Much of the island still lacks power and running water.
President Donald Trump is giving himself a "10" for the hurricane response in Puerto Rico.
Trump met Thursday with Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello at the White House. The president says the federal government has done a "really great job." He says he has given his blessing to Congress for a funding plan, but adds that the governor "understands that these folks can't be there forever."
"I'd say it was a 10," Trump told reporters after being asked how he would rate the government's efforts in Puerto Rico. "I'd say it's probably the most difficult when you talk about relief, when you talk about search, when you talk about all of the different levels. And even when you talk about lives saved."
Puerto Rico's death toll is currently at 48, but officials expect it to rise. Beyond that, much of the island is still without power, running water, and medications.
Rossello said Trump "has been clear that no US citizen will be left behind."
The meeting comes after Trump received some criticism for his response to Puerto Rico after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Rossello has been supportive of Trump, while the mayor of San Juan has been outspoken in her criticism.
Much of the island remains without electricity several weeks after Maria struck.
"I have to tell you, it's a tough job - but we have provided so much, so fast," Trump said.
Watch a clip of Trump's response: