Oxfam: Trump’s ‘slow and inadequate response’ to Puerto Rico is an outrage

The global poverty-fighting organization Oxfam is speaking out on the United States’ response to the humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria, specifically targeting President Trump in their comments.

“Oxfam has monitored the response in Puerto Rico closely, and we are outraged at the slow and inadequate response the US government has mounted in Puerto Rico,” Oxfam America President Abby Maxman said in a statement according to CNN. “Clean water, food, fuel, electricity, and health care are in desperately short supply and quickly dwindling, and we’re hearing excuses and criticism from the administration instead of a cohesive and compassionate response.”

The statement is a rare move from the group, which usually avoids criticizing high-profile world governments.

“The US has more than enough resources to mobilize an emergency response but has failed to do so in a swift and robust manner,” Maxman said.

“[President Trump] will assure the people there that we are with them 100% today and for the long haul. Puerto Ricans have shown incredible resilience, and we are fully committed to helping them rebuild their lives,” she continued.

From CNN:

Maxman said that Oxfam America will pursue its own two-pronged approach to helping the island, which will consist of advocating for an overall improved response to the disaster and supporting local affiliates who are on site in Puerto Rico and can provide relief.

The organization will continue to push the government, including Congress and other federal agencies, to provide better relief and remove any barriers in place that can inhibit progress.

Oxfam has spoken out against the Trump administration before. In September, the organization slammed Trump’s slashing the number of refugees admitted to the U.S. down to the lowest level in history. As The Huffington Post reported, Oxfam rented Trump’s childhood home in Queens for four people fleeing conflict and persecution in Syria, Somalia, and Vietnam to temporarily live there.

Featured image via YouTube

Sky Palma

Before launching DeadState back in 2012, Sky Palma has been blogging about politics, social issues and religion for over a decade. He lives in Los Angeles and also enjoys Brazilian jiu jitsu, chess, music and art.