President Trump Gives Himself A '10' On Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON, DC — President Trump gave the federal government's response to the natural and humanitarian disaster wrought by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico a "10" on Thursday in the Oval Office, even as much of the island territory has limited access to clean water, food and electricity.

The president spoke at a meeting with Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello, who said Trump "has been clear that no U.S. citizen will be left behind."

Rossello added that "a lot still has to be done," even as Trump said, "I think we’ve done a really great job." (For more information on this and other political stories, subscribe to the White House Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Watch: Trump: White House Puerto Rico Response A "10"

Trump asked Rossello directly: "Did we do a great job? Military, first responders, FEMA?"

Rossello said, "You responded immediately, sir." He added that there were some logistical limitations on the island that limited the response.

"Even with those obstacles ... the response is there," he said. "Do we need to do a lot more? Of course, we do."

The president's assertions about the government response bear little resemblance to the reality on the ground in Puerto Rico. Power has been restored to just 15 percent of Puerto Rico, and 3 million Americans living on the island are still in the dark a month after Hurricane Maria. Another 1 million Americans living there lack safe drinking water. And as CNN reported, the scene on the island looks much as it did right after Maria hit.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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AP Photo/Evan Vucci