Trembling with anger, Puerto Rican-American lawmaker blasts Trump's "shameful" threats

In an early morning meltdown, Trump wrote that “We cannot keep FEMA, the Military & the First Responders” in Puerto Rico “forever” and that the infrastructure on the island ” was disaster before hurricanes.”

He also amplified a story from conspiracy theorist Sharyl Attkisson, a host on the pro-Trump Sinclair network of stations, who said that Puerto Rico’s financial crisis was “of their own making.”

In a hearing of the House Financial Services committee, Velazquez used Housing Secretary Ben Carson as a stand-in for the Trump administration and, shaking in anger, told him that Trump’s tweets were “shameful.”

“I just would like for you to let him know how shameful all the tweets that he put out this morning, how offended and insulted I am as an American citizen,” she said.

Velazquez also asked, “Why is it he doesn’t put the same tweets when it comes to Texas or Florida?”

VELAZQUEZ: I’m the only member who is a Puerto Rican-American citizen who sits in this committee, so since I don’t have President Trump in front of me, I just would like for you to let him know how shameful all the tweets that he put out this morning, how offended and insulted I am as an American citizen. And I would like to suggest that the president get some history lessons regarding the Puerto Ricans relationship with the United States. […]

Those tweets are unpresidential. The most basic, fundamental responsibility of the president of the United States — the president of the most powerful country in the world — is to show up, and to provide the assistance and the relief that American citizens need. They don’t need this type of insult.

By the way, why is it he doesn’t put the same tweets when it comes to Texas or Florida?

You invaded Puerto Rico. The United States of America invaded Puerto Rico. My uncle participated in the Korean War. We shed blood to defend the freedoms that every American in this country enjoys. So to kick fellow citizens when they are down is shameful.

Velazquez has been one of the strongest voices on the storm and the aftermath, using her position to advocate for her fellow Americans.

Trump has botched the response to the hurricane, and has repeatedly insulted, derided, and hurt the people of Puerto Rico while failing to defend his actions. He and his fellow Republicans continue to lash out at the largely Latino population, ignoring the fact that they are Americans who deserve to be helped.

Velazquez’s strong condemnation of his actions show that Trump will not be able to avoid accountability for his actions — or inaction.