Trump on Hurricane Ian Response: God Bless DeSantis

MIAMI (FLV) – At the America First Policy Institute’s Hispanic Leadership Conference, former President Donald Trump offered condolences for those who lost everything during Hurricane Ian and praised Gov. Ron DeSantis for his emergency response.

“Let me begin today by expressing our boundless sympathy and love for everyone affected by the horrific devastation by the recent monster hurricane – our hearts ache for every person who’s home was damaged or destroyed, for every community that has been so horribly ravaged, and for every family that has lost a precious loved one to this terrible storm,” Trump said.

“We also thank God for the Coast Guard and the National Guard – law enforcement, always, and first responders, and countless others who have stepped forward in this time of need. And, God bless our governor and God bless all of the mayors.”

President Joe Biden also had kind words for DeSantis, saying his response to Hurricane Ian was “pretty remarkable so far” after a presser.

DeSantis celebrated the response including heavy cooperation between all levels of the U.S. government.

“We are cutting through the bureaucracy, we are cutting through the red tape. And that’s from local government, state government, all the way up to the president. So, we appreciate the team effort. This is something that is – these storms come, they’re on the horizon,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do… The spirit of the people of this state and Southwest Florida has been phenomenal.”

Of the recent headways made in emergency repairs and relief, DeSantis announced the completion of the Ian-destroyed Pine Island bridge. The roadway was the only way onto Pine Island. Now, emergency relief crews and linemen can access the island to begin restoration. DeSantis celebrated is completion just a few days after its repairs began.