In 2005, it became a massive joke after President George W. Bush praised Michael Brown, one of the people responsible for coordinating the chaotic response to Hurricane Katrina by saying, "Heckuva job, Brownie."
But as Puerto Rico reels from the devastation of Hurricane Maria, Trump is creating a new "Heckuva job" moment — and it's directed at himself.
Over the past few days, as natural disaster turns into legitimate humanitarian crisis in the American territory, the president — who will be visiting on Tuesday — has pretty much only mentioned the destruction and danger on the ground when he could point to it as a sign that he's competent at his job.
Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello just stated: "The Administration and the President, every time we've spoken, they've delivered......
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 29, 2017
Puerto Rico is devastated. Phone system, electric grid many roads, gone. FEMA and First Responders are amazing. Governor said "great job!"
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 29, 2017
FEMA & First Responders are doing a GREAT job in Puerto Rico. Massive food & water delivered. Docks & electric grid dead. Locals trying.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 28, 2017
...really hard to help but many have lost their homes. Military is now on site and I will be there Tuesday. Wish press would treat fairly! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 28, 2017
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 (@realDonaldTrump) September 26, 2017
Briefed @POTUS @realDonaldTrump in #SituationRoom and thanked him for his leadership, quick response & commitment to our people 🇵🇷 pic.twitter.com/hIFKYSMCDY
— Ricardo Rossello (@ricardorossello) September 26, 2017
Trump also retweeted this on Thursday night, in between tweets about the economy and a retweet of Bill O'Reilly announcing he'd be on Sean Hannity's show: a show of how he is indirectly contributing to Puerto Rico (without actually having to dip into his bank account).
The Trump Inaugural Committee is donating $3 million in surplus funds to victims of the latest hurricanes. https://t.co/6OUYqr8G1p — Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) September 28, 2017
On the bright side, Trump's tweets represent at least an awareness that Maria was hit by a hurricane. Before this week, he was strangely silent on the problems facing the devastated island — which Trump would have you know is in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
There's another notable aspect to Trump's Puerto Rico tweets. They differ greatly in tone from his comments on other hurricane-ravaged lands. When talking about mainland disasters, Trump offered to be there to rebuild.
FLORIDA-
Just like TX, WE are w/you today, we are w/you tomorrow, & we will be w/you EVERY SINGLE DAY AFTER, to RESTORE, RECOVER, & REBUILD! pic.twitter.com/phRMudujxJ— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 15, 2017
WE ARE WITH YOU FLORIDA!
Emergency Information
1-800-342-3557https://t.co/zbWkR5VmDpVolunteer
1-800-FL-HELP-1https://t.co/ghkbVajBN0 pic.twitter.com/2Jj85weO1U— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 14, 2017
TEXAS: We are with you today, we are with you tomorrow, and we will be with you EVERY SINGLE DAY AFTER, to restore, recover, and REBUILD! pic.twitter.com/p1Fh8jmmFA
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 2, 2017
Texas & Louisiana: We are w/ you today, we are w/ you tomorrow, & we will be w/ you EVERY SINGLE DAY AFTER, to restore, recover, & REBUILD! pic.twitter.com/YQb82K2VSB
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 30, 2017
But when talking about Puerto Rico, Trump's offer to help was less than full-throated.
...The fact is that Puerto Rico has been destroyed by two hurricanes. Big decisions will have to be made as to the cost of its rebuilding!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 29, 2017
Want that difference to be even more striking?
Texas & Florida are doing great but Puerto Rico, which was already suffering from broken infrastructure & massive debt, is in deep trouble..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 26, 2017
...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 (@realDonaldTrump) September 26, 2017
...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 (@realDonaldTrump) September 26, 2017
"Mr. Trump, we appreciate everything you're doing," San Juan's mayor said on CNN Friday morning, before asking for more help. But the president may have only heard one part of it.
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