This weekend Category 4 storm Hurricane Harvey, the biggest natural disaster of President Donald Trump’s presidency so far, barreled into southeast Texas, whipping coastal areas with 130 miles per hour (209 kilometers per hour) winds and causing unprecedented, catastrophic flooding in the Houston/Galveston region.
Trump, in predictable accordance with what has felt like decades of but is really only a few years of precedent, has mostly responded by tweeting.
Trump’s tweets are not reassuring.
On Friday, Trump said he would be “closely watching the path and doings of Hurricane Harvey,” adding “BE SAFE!” Later, he seemed to marvel at the 125 mph winds.
Just arrived at Camp David where I am closely watching the path and doings of Hurricane Harvey, as it strengthens to a Category 3. BE SAFE!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2017
Just arrived at Camp David, where I am monitoring the path and doings of Hurricane Harvey (as it strengthens to a Class 3). 125 MPH winds!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2017
After then using the hurricane as cover to pardon convicted felon and racist profiler Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Trump pivoted to a series of tweets embedding Fox News and thanking emergency services.
I am pleased to inform you that I have just granted a full Pardon to 85 year old American patriot Sheriff Joe Arpaio. He kept Arizona safe!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2017
We will remain fully engaged w/ open lines of communication as #HurricaneHarvey makes landfall. America is w/ you! @GovAbbott @FEMA @DHSgov pic.twitter.com/PryIqRxgLr
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2017
You are doing a great job – the world is watching! Be safe. https://t.co/PJLdxy3hD9
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2017
He also took the time to shoot back at Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, who warned him not to make the same mistake President George W. Bush made with Hurricane Katrina (ignoring the disaster until it became a humanitarian catastrophe).
@realDonaldTrump #hurricane keep on top of hurricane Harvey dont mke same mistake Pres Bush made w Katrina
— Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) August 25, 2017
.@ChuckGrassley – got your message loud and clear. We have fantastic people on the ground, got there long before #Harvey. So far, so good!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2017
“So far, so good! … City, State and Federal Govs. working great together!” Trump tweeted as large parts of southeast Texas lay devastated.
Closely monitoring #HurricaneHarvey from Camp David. We are leaving nothing to chance. City, State and Federal Govs. working great together!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2017
Wonderful coordination between Federal, State and Local Governments in the Great State of Texas – TEAMWORK! Record setting rainfall.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2017
On Sunday, Trump woke up and immediately plugged terrible person and Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke’s book, before reiterating that this storm is a real humdinger.
A great book by a great guy, highly recommended! https://t.co/3jbDDN8YmJ
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
Many people are now saying that this is the worst storm/hurricane they have ever seen. Good news is that we have great talent on the ground.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
“Continuing rains and flash floods are being dealt with,” Trump added. “Thousands rescued. Many people are now saying that this is the worst storm/hurricane they have ever seen. Good news is that we have great talent on the ground.”
Trump then announced he would be visiting Texas “as soon as that trip can be made without causing disruption,” before noting he would also “be going to a wonderful state, Missouri, that I won by a lot in ‘16.”
I will be going to Texas as soon as that trip can be made without causing disruption. The focus must be life and safety.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
I will also be going to a wonderful state, Missouri, that I won by a lot in '16. Dem C.M. is opposed to big tax cuts. Republican will win S!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
Trump returned to rambling thoughts on how Mexico was “one of the highest crime Nations in the world” and how it would pay for his dumb border wall, and theorized he might just terminate NAFTA if renegotiation continues to be “very difficult.” Then he continued to appreciate, slack-jawed, how much damage Harvey was doing.
“Even experts have said they’ve never seen one like this!” Trump tweeted. “Major rescue operations underway!”
Going to a Cabinet Meeting (tele-conference) at 11:00 A.M. on #Harvey. Even experts have said they've never seen one like this!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
Major rescue operations underway!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
So yeah, you like hurricanes. We get it, Donald.
The president of the United States, ladies and gentlemen.
Update August 27th, 7:14 p.m.: Yeah, he’s not done.
HISTORIC rainfall in Houston, and all over Texas. Floods are unprecedented, and more rain coming. Spirit of the people is incredible.Thanks!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017