Donald Trump concluded his tour of central Texas by meeting with state officials and residents impacted by recent floods. Panelists suggested that while federal agencies play a vital role in disaster response, Trump has been criticized for lacking the emotional connection typically shown by presidents to affected communities. Peter Baker highlighted that Trump excels at mobilizing resources but struggles with empathizing with people in distress. Tarini Parti remarked that Trump's response has been more about showcasing his administration's efforts than providing federal assistance, indicating a trend of reliance on state and local officials.
Peter Baker, the chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, said presidents from Bill Clinton on have frequently responded to disasters by finding ways to connect with people on the ground. These presidents show that they not only bring resources from the federal government but also understand the plight of those affected. He indicated that Trump is not effectively connecting with individuals in pain, despite his ability to mobilize resources.
Tarini Parti, a White House reporter at The Wall Street Journal, noted that although Trump showed more empathy than seen previously, he was still focused on promoting his administration’s response. She emphasized that unlike previous administrations, Trump has opted to scale back the federal response to disasters, choosing instead to rely on state and local officials.
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