Trump’s Message to Puerto Ricans Without Power: ‘Don’t Believe the Fake News!’

3.5 Million Americans Without Power 

Hurricanes Irma and Maria have left the people of Puerto Rico without power, but Donald Trump has a message to the American citizens there: they need to distrust the free press.

As Business Insider summarizes:

Puerto Rico is still suffering from the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria that left 3.5 million people without power.

Hurricane Irma, which hit Puerto Rico earlier this month, left one million Puerto Ricans without power. The island was still recovering from the storm’s aftermath when Hurricane Maria hit, crippling the entire island’s electrical infrastructure.

Despite this, Donald Trump began his morning with an attack on San Juan’s mayor and “lazy” Puerto Ricans who want “everything to be done for them,” following it up with an attack on the free press and Democrats six hours later.

Now, Donald Trump again criticized the media for covering Puerto Rico’s destruction—complete with a message for Puerto Ricans.

“To the people of Puerto Rico,” the President of the United States wrote, “Do not believe the #FakeNews! #PRStrong”

The president continued by claiming that “my administration, Governor [Ricardo Rossello], and many others are working together to help the people of Puerto Rico in every way…”

“……#FakeNews critics,” he continued, repeating a talking point he’d used earlier, “are working overtime, but we’re getting great marks from the people that truly matter!” He again utilized the “PRStrong” hashtag.

“We must all be united in offering assistance to everyone suffering in Puerto Rico and elsewhere in the wake of this terrible disaster,” Trump continued.

He then renewed his attack on San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz, advising that “results of recovery efforts will speak much louder than [her] complaints. Doing everything we can to help great people of PR!”

Some reactions, via Twitter. (NCRM cautions, some may be offended by the language):

Business Insider and other outlets have reported that Puerto Ricans may not get power for another six months:

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