Administration

Trump: ‘Maximum effort’ taking place in Hurricane Michael recovery efforts

President Trump on Monday said that the administration and other officials are employing “maximum effort” to deal with the devastation in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael.

Trump on Monday is scheduled to visit states that were ravaged by the storm.  

{mosads}”Will be leaving for Florida and Georgia with the First Lady to tour the hurricane damage and visit with FEMA, First Responders and Law Enforcement,” Trump tweeted.

“Maximum effort is taking place, everyone is working very hard. Worst hit in 50 years!”

Experts have called Hurricane Michael the most powerful hurricane to strike the U.S. 

AccuWeather estimated last week that the damage from Michael may total $30 billion.

Trump faced much criticism in his handling of the response to Hurricane Maria last year after it tore through Puerto Rico, leaving many without water and power for months.

The cleanup effort following Michael has also quickly become a political point for several contentious midterm races, including the Senate race between Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R).

The two have an opportunity to show off their leadership in a time of disaster, but if they appear to fall short, it could play a big role in the close election.

RealClearPolitics average of polls shows Nelson with a narrow 2.4-point lead, but there has not yet been any polling in the days since Michael’s destruction.