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Friday, November 13, 2026Nov 13

Trump: ‘Big decisions’ to be made on cost of rebuilding PR

This undated photo provided by Hector Alejandro Santiago shows his farm in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, destroyed by September 2017’s Hurricane Maria. For 21 years Santiago raised poinsettias, orchids and other ornamental plants which were sold to major retailers including Costco, Walmart and Home Depot. In a matter of hours Maria wiped it away. (Héctor Alejandro Santiago via AP)
This undated photo provided by Hector Alejandro Santiago shows his farm in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, destroyed by September 2017’s Hurricane Maria. For 21 years Santiago raised poinsettias, orchids and other ornamental plants which were sold to major retailers including Costco, Walmart and Home Depot. In a matter of hours Maria wiped it away. (Héctor Alejandro Santiago via AP)

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is defending his response to Puerto Rico’s hurricane destruction and says “big decisions” are coming on the cost of rebuilding the island.

Trump is quoting praise from Puerto Rico’s governor, Ricardo Rossello, who says the president and the Trump administration have “delivered” for the U.S. territory.

Trump writes on Twitter: “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!”

His tweets come after people on the island have said help is scarce and disorganized and food supplies are dwindling in some remote towns after Hurricane Maria.

Trump is expected to survey the damage on the island on Tuesday.