Jeb Bush: ‘Trump has done a good job showing concern’ for hurricane victims

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush on Friday praised President Trump’s handling of the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, saying the president has “done a good job” showing concern for those affected by the storm.

“President Trump has done a good job showing his concern for the victims of Harvey, and I’m sure he’ll do the same [in Florida],” Bush, a Republican, said on CNN’s “New Day.” “The key though is to make sure Washington is here for the long haul, for the long-term recovery of our state.”

Florida is bracing for Hurricane Irma, a Category 4 storm that is expected to make landfall in the state on Saturday. Federal and state officials have warned of potentially catastrophic damage from the storm.

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When it makes landfall in Florida, Irma will become the second major hurricane in two weeks to strike the continental U.S. Hurricane Harvey tore through southeast Texas and Louisiana late last month, leaving at least 70 people dead and causing billions of dollars in damage.

Trump traveled to Texas and Louisiana last week to survey the damage from the hurricane. During the trip, the president appeared in good spirits as he met with storm victims and handed out food and supplies. 

The Senate on Thursday passed a stopgap spending bill that also includes more than $15 billion in hurricane and disaster aid money.

Bush has been among Trump’s most vocal Republican critics. The two fought bitterly during the 2016 GOP presidential primary, and the former Florida governor never endorsed Trump once he became the party’s nominee.