Trump tweeted 80 times since Maria hit Puerto Rico. Guess how many were about the storm?
Since the outer bands of Hurricane Maria began whipping Puerto Rico on the evening of Sept. 19, President Trump has published 80(!) original tweets. The vast, vast majority of them — as you may have guessed — were not about the deadly storm or his administration's response to it.
To get a better sense of the president's priorities, I've collected every original tweet he's published since Maria hit the island (for the sake of simplicity, I'm not including retweets). The storm wreaked havoc on Puerto Rico, leaving over 3 million people without power and wiping out nearly its entire agriculture industry.
As the hurricane hit, he shared a fairly appropriate presidential message of solidarity.
Puerto Rico being hit hard by new monster Hurricane. Be careful, our hearts are with you- will be there to help!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505874232.0
But his attention there didn't last long.
Eight minutes later, he was tweeting about U.N. business.
A great and important day at the United Nations.Met with leaders of many nations who agree with much (or all) of what I stated in my speech!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505874679.0
Two minutes after that, he thanked a random follower.
So nice, thank you! https://t.co/Cg4dzHhbrv— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505874812.0
Another eight minutes went by as he typed out a message slamming the Emmys.
I was saddened to see how bad the ratings were on the Emmys last night - the worst ever. Smartest people of them all are the "DEPLORABLES."— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505875273.0
(It sounds like he's still bitter about never winning one.)
The next morning, Maria continued racing toward Puerto Rico. From Trump's tweets, you wouldn't know it.
He was back to the U.N., blasting Hillary Clinton, and praising Fox News.
Big meetings today at the United Nations. So many interesting leaders. America First will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505902470.0
After allowing North Korea to research and build Nukes while Secretary of State (Bill C also), Crooked Hillary now criticizes.— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505904031.0
The world is noticing, thanks! https://t.co/2NL6SlWnmH— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505904246.0
Thank you @foxandfriends - great show!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505905234.0
At the same time Trump began these early morning tweets, Maria's center was a mere 50 miles southeast of Puerto Rico's populous capital, San Juan.
Later that day, Trump tweeted about the GOP's latest harmful, unpopular piece of health care legislation and dissed Rand Paul.
Rand Paul is a friend of mine but he is such a negative force when it comes to fixing healthcare. Graham-Cassidy Bill is GREAT! Ends Ocare!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505909394.0
I hope Republican Senators will vote for Graham-Cassidy and fulfill their promise to Repeal & Replace ObamaCare. Money direct to States!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505909782.0
He took time to tweet a plug for his stop in Alabama to stump for Senate candidate Luther Strange.
Looking forward to Friday night in the Great State of Alabama. I am supporting "Big" Luther Strange because he was so loyal & helpful to me!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505910541.0
At about that time, experts estimated it would take several hours for the hurricane to pass over all of Puerto Rico, given how slowly the storm is moving (10 mph) — which was not a good sign.
He also updated followers on his recent chats with foreign leaders.
It was a great honor to be with King Abdullah II of Jordan and his delegation this morning. We had a GREAT bilatera… https://t.co/DbdeqhKjbw— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505921026.0
Honored to meet w/ Pres Abbas from the Palestinian Authority & his delegation, who have been working hard w/everybo… https://t.co/9ppbn43yIu— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505927333.0
Shortly after Trump tweeted that, the whole island of Puerto Rico lost power.
He tweeted photos from a luncheon with African leaders, conveniently leaving out the fact that he made up an African country to praise its health care.
Honored to host a luncheon for African leaders this afternoon. Great discussions on the challenges & opportunities… https://t.co/icPtepmBlP— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505934318.0
Even after Puerto Rico went dark, Maria's wind speeds remained dangerously fast, topping out at 115 mph. Still no word from the president, though he did take time to wish Jewish Americans a happy new year.
On behalf of all Americans, I want to wish Jewish families many blessings in the New Year. https://t.co/m4VWxYvONx https://t.co/iYG1G8GaLN— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505946584.0
Around the time the National Hurricane Center reported there was "catastrophic flash flooding" across Puerto Rico, he went on an Alabama health care bender (again).
Alabama is sooo lucky to have a candidate like "Big" Luther Strange. Smart, tough on crime, borders & trade, loves Vets & Military. Tuesday!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505947355.0
I would not sign Graham-Cassidy if it did not include coverage of pre-existing conditions. It does! A great Bill. Repeal & Replace.— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505948875.0
The NRA strongly endorses Luther Strange for Senator of Alabama.That means all gun owners should vote for Big Luther. He won't let you down!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505954537.0
Senator (Doctor) Bill Cassidy is a class act who really cares about people and their Health(care), he doesn't lie-just wants to help people!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505955985.0
About 16 hours after Maria made landfall, Trump's attention finally returned to the natural disaster and he again expressed solidarity with Puerto Rico.
Governor @RicardoRossello- We are with you and the people of Puerto Rico. Stay safe! #PRStrong— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1505963587.0
Two minutes later, he went back to sharing more self-congratulatory videos and pics from his U.N. meetings.
It was a pleasure to have President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan with us this morning! #USAatUNGA #UNGA https://t.co/HOEVfnMn14— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506006919.0
It was wonderful to have President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine with us in New York City today. #UNGA 🎥… https://t.co/Fi8dfuJ1nq— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506007062.0
It was a great privilege to meet with President Moon of South Korea. Stay tuned! 🇺🇸🇰🇷#UNGA https://t.co/7xYDO5ddUm— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506009992.0
Today, I announced a new Executive Order with re: to North Korea. We must all do our part to ensure the complete de… https://t.co/cPAHwPXUmA— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506016710.0
He bragged about polls.
Senator Luther Strange has gone up a lot in the polls since I endorsed him a month ago. Now a close runoff. He will be great in D.C.— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506032624.0
He published another vague teaser tweet about the U.N.
A big day for the U.S. at the United Nations!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506032789.0
He blasted Rand Paul (again).
Rand Paul, or whoever votes against Hcare Bill, will forever (future political campaigns) be known as "the Republican who saved ObamaCare."— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506075576.0
He called Kim Jong-un a "madman."
Kim Jong Un of North Korea, who is obviously a madman who doesn't mind starving or killing his people, will be tested like never before!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506076082.0
He accepted a compliment.
Thank you! https://t.co/hlz48RLkIf— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506076206.0
He ranted about "fake news," Russia, and Clinton.
The Russia hoax continues, now it's ads on Facebook. What about the totally biased and dishonest Media coverage in favor of Crooked Hillary?— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506077087.0
The greatest influence over our election was the Fake News Media "screaming" for Crooked Hillary Clinton. Next, she was a bad candidate!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506079566.0
He promoted his Alabama rally. Again.
Will be in Alabama tonight. Luther Strange has gained mightily since my endorsement, but will be very close. He loves Alabama, and so do I!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506080368.0
He shared a U.N. video that seemed more like a movie trailer.
#USAatUNGA🇺🇸#UNGA https://t.co/miT2Lj7Q90— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506097512.0
He thanked American Airlines for helping Hurricane Maria victims...
Thank you to Doug Parker and American Airlines for all of the help you have given to the U.S. with Hurricane flights. Fantastic job!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506102899.0
...but failed to specify how the federal government would increase efforts to do so and said nothing about helping Puerto Rico.
He went on and on about Alabama and Arizona.
Heading to Alabama now, big crowd!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506115117.0
John McCain never had any intention of voting for this Bill, which his Governor loves. He campaigned on Repeal & Replace. Let Arizona down!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506163362.0
Arizona had a 116% increase in ObamaCare premiums last year, with deductibles very high. Chuck Schumer sold John McCain a bill of goods. Sad— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506163814.0
Large Block Grants to States is a good thing to do. Better control & management. Great for Arizona. McCain let his best friend L.G. down!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506164352.0
He put more pressure on Paul (again) and went on and on about Alabama and Alaska.
I know Rand Paul and I think he may find a way to get there for the good of the Party!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506164661.0
Alaska had a 200% plus increase in premiums under ObamaCare, worst in the country. Deductibles high, people angry! Lisa M comes through.— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506165215.0
It was great being with Luther Strange last night in Alabama. What great people, what a crowd! Vote Luther on Tuesday.— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506165425.0
Four days after Maria hit, Trump was busy attacking Stephen Curry and the NFL.
Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team.Stephen Curry is hesitating,therefore invitation is withdrawn!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506170719.0
If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL,or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect....— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506190270.0
...our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU'RE FIRED. Find something else to do!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506190699.0
He boasted about Melania Trump, criticized Iran, and roasted John McCain.
Very proud of our incredible First Lady (@FLOTUS.) She is a truly great representative for our country! https://t.co/yFv0WIjgby— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506201411.0
Iran just test-fired a Ballistic Missile capable of reaching Israel.They are also working with North Korea.Not much of an agreement we have!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506203944.0
Democrats are laughingly saying that McCain had a "moment of courage." Tell that to the people of Arizona who were deceived. 116% increase!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506205247.0
By the time he was attacking NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for not condemning the #TakeAKnee protests, more and more aerial footage from Puerto Rico was being released showing complete disaster across the island.
Roger Goodell of NFL just put out a statement trying to justify the total disrespect certain players show to our country.Tell them to stand!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506205517.0
Still, no formal statement from Trump himself addressing the destruction.
He called Kim Jong-un "Little Rocket Man."
Just heard Foreign Minister of North Korea speak at U.N. If he echoes thoughts of Little Rocket Man, they won't be around much longer!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506222487.0
He turned his attention back to pro sports.
If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506249892.0
...NFL attendance and ratings are WAY DOWN. Boring games yes, but many stay away because they love our country. League should back U.S.— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506251591.0
Great solidarity for our National Anthem and for our Country. Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable. Bad ratings!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506277235.0
Please to inform that the Champion Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL will be joining me at the White House for Ceremony. Great team!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506277476.0
Courageous Patriots have fought and died for our great American Flag --- we MUST honor and respect it! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506281541.0
He then segued to health care...
Alaska, Arizona, Maine and Kentucky are big winners in the Healthcare proposal. 7 years of Repeal & Replace and some Senators not there.— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506291703.0
...before going back to the NFL.
Sports fans should never condone players that do not stand proud for their National Anthem or their Country. NFL should change policy!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506291920.0
He talked about making America scared — er, safe.
Making America Safe is my number one priority. We will not admit those into our country we cannot safely vet. https://t.co/KJ886okyfC— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506296983.0
While Trump was randomly praising NASCAR fans, the complete devastation Maria brought to Puerto Rico came into full view.
So proud of NASCAR and its supporters and fans. They won't put up with disrespecting our Country or our Flag - they said it loud and clear!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506338725.0
But the president still hadn't publicly addressed how his administration would help. He went back to attacking the NFL again.
Many people booed the players who kneeled yesterday (which was a small percentage of total). These are fans who demand respect for our Flag!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506339103.0
The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race. It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506339543.0
He talked about tax cuts.
The White House never looked more beautiful than it did returning last night. Important meetings taking place today. Big tax cuts & reform.— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506339845.0
He talked about the NFL.
#StandForOurAnthem— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506344547.0
.@CNN is #FakeNews. Just reported COS (John Kelly) was opposed to my stance on NFL players disrespecting FLAG, ANTHEM, COUNTRY. Total lie!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506378390.0
General John Kelly totally agrees w/ my stance on NFL players and the fact that they should not be disrespecting our FLAG or GREAT COUNTRY!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506378482.0
Tremendous backlash against the NFL and its players for disrespect of our Country. #StandForOurAnthem🇺🇸— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506378558.0
Finally, six days after Maria first made landfall, he — wait, sound the alarm — tweeted about Puerto Rico! Except...
He didn't so much update Americans on what's being done to help those in need, as much as he seemingly blamed hurricane victims for their poor infrastructure and mounting debt.
Texas & Florida are doing great but Puerto Rico, which was already suffering from broken infrastructure & massive debt, is in deep trouble..— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506386748.0
...It's old electrical grid, which was in terrible shape, was devastated. Much of the Island was destroyed, with billions of dollars....— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506387040.0
...owed to Wall Street and the banks which, sadly, must be dealt with. Food, water and medical are top priorities - and doing well. #FEMA— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506387530.0
Because time is a flat circle, he then went back to blasting McCain.
A few of the many clips of John McCain talking about Repealing & Replacing O'Care. My oh my has he changed-complete… https://t.co/ii5a6mRANz— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506389050.0
And talking about Alabama.
And attacking athletes.
Ratings for NFL football are way down except before game starts, when people tune in to see whether or not our country will be disrespected!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506421704.0
The booing at the NFL football game last night, when the entire Dallas team dropped to its knees, was loudest I have ever heard. Great anger— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506422143.0
But while Dallas dropped to its knees as a team, they all stood up for our National Anthem. Big progress being made-we all love our country!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506422869.0
And more Alabama.
And more Fox News.
Great interview on @foxandfriends with the parents of Otto Warmbier: 1994 - 2017. Otto was tortured beyond belief by North Korea.— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506424481.0
He thanked San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz for essentially thanking him...
Thank you to Carmen Yulin Cruz, the Mayor of San Juan, for your kind words on FEMA etc.We are working hard. Much food and water there/on way— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506427980.0
NFL. Alabama.
The NFL has all sorts of rules and regulations. The only way out for them is to set a rule that you can't kneel during our National Anthem!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506431165.0
Added a few pics from inside the White House...
Honored to welcome Republican and Democrat members of the House Ways and Means Committee to the White House today!… https://t.co/6pf8aMDyzR— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506442426.0
...and gave a shoutout to Nikki Haley to cap it off.
Heading over to the @UN to meet with Ambassador @NikkiHaley and all of her great representatives! #USA🇺🇸— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1506458607.0
All in all, just six of Trump's 80 tweets since Hurricane Maria began pummeling Puerto Rico had to do with the crisis itself. Six.
As The Washington Post reported, it's really not complicated: Trump is more interested in the NFL than saving Puerto Ricans.
The president has a lot of responsibilities, of course. But saving American lives in the wake of natural disaster should be a top priority.
Maria was the third-strongest hurricane ever to plow into a U.S. territory. It's killed at least 16 people in Puerto Rico thus far (but officials fear that number will likely rise). Nearly the entire island still has no electricity or cellphone service. Hospitals are barely functioning.
After facing a barrage of criticism pointing to his lack of response (or, evidently, interest), Trump confirmed on Tuesday that food, water, and other supplies were being shipped to the island and that he plans on visiting next week to assess the damage. One reason his administration was slow to respond? Puerto Rico "is in the middle of an ocean," he explained. "It's a big ocean. It's a very big ocean."
Puerto Rico needs us now. Here's how you can help supply aid to Puerto Rico.