Energy

Trump Challenges Puerto Rico Death Toll Estimates

REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

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Jason Hopkins Immigration and politics reporter
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President Donald Trump challenged numbers regarding Puerto Rico’s death toll in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, tweeting Thursday morning that the higher death count was orchestrated by Democrats.

Hurricane Maria smashed into Puerto Rico in September 2017, and is regarded as one of the island’s worst natural disasters. Originally, the official death toll from the hurricane was very low. However, that number climbed dramatically in the following months, with new estimates placing the number of deaths at around 3,000. Democrats — some of whom are eyeing a run for higher office — have placed blame on the Trump administration’s relief efforts. (RELATED: Liberals Are Desperate To Blame Trump For Puerto Rico’s High Death Toll)

The president received criticism for calling the federal government’s response to the hurricane on Tuesday “an incredible unsung” success.

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