Donald Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, was in Houston this afternoon, meeting with Hurricane Harvey survivors at NRG Stadium and doling out some lunch.
He then moved on to the First Church of Pearland where he thanked volunteer workers and, with the first lady, helped distribute supplies to storm survivors. Also also stopped in a nearby Pearland neighborhood to greet residents dealing with waterlogged homes.
In his second visit to southeast Texas in less than a week, Trump was met at Ellington Field by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner about 12:30 p.m.. The president was also scheduled to meet with members of the Texas congressional delegation, as he pushed for an initial $7.9 billion in disaster relief for the region.
Traveling with Trump were Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, and acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke, plus chief of staff John Kelly, Homeland Security adviser Tom Bossert, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and other officials.
From Houston, Trump was scheduled to jet on Air Force One to Lake Charles and meet emergency responders and members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation before flying back to Washington this evening.
Trump drew some criticism for neglecting to speak about the victims of the storm during his first visit to Texas on Tuesday. Trump’s movements on that trip were restricted because of logistical and security concerns. The president wanted to survey damaged communities first hand, aides said, but he stayed away from Houston and other hard-hit areas to avoid hindering rescue efforts.
On Friday, he signed a proclamation making Sunday a national day of prayer.
Photo: Jeremy Wallace - Houston Chronicle