On October 3rd, Donald Trump offended many Puerto Ricains at Calvary Chapel in Guaynabo after visiting the victims of hurricane Maria.

Underestimating the catastrophe

Before an interview Donald Trump asked Ricardo Rosellò, prime minister of Puerto Rico, about the death count. When Rosellò said “17” he compared it to the ‘thousands’ who could have died or who died in hurricane Katrina (actual tally reports 1836 deaths). After hearing this, Puerto Ricains found that it was really insulting for the families that were shattered by thier loss.

Donald Trump added “I hate to tell  you Puerto Rico, but you’re trowing our budget a little out of whack. Every death is a horror, but if you look at a real catastrophe like Katrina.” Puerto Ricains have more than a decade of economic decline. They are now in dept with more than 70 billions owed to the Americain government. Many believe it is not appropriate to talk about money in such a time of crisis.

“He wasn’t here. He doesn’t care about Puerto Ricains. He doesn’t care about Latinos. He doesn’t care about anyone.” said  Abimael Rodriguez Nogales, a resident of the island.

The soft towels

Later while giving supplies such as food supplies and home products, The president of the United States created a new controversy by trowing paper rolls to the public.

The US president said: “They had these beautiful, soft towels. Very good towels, and I came in and there was a crowd of a lot of people. And they were screaming and they were loving everything. I was having fun, they were having fun. They said, ‘Throw ’em to me! Throw ’em to me Mr. President!'”

It is mesmerizing that such a powerful man is oblivious to the fact that this behavior is completely inappropriate for his function.

(written by: Élodie Houde and Émilie Madeira;edited by:Laurie Cardinal and Marguerite Lachance)