Puerto Rican State Representative Amy Mercado released the following statement on Donald Trump’s denial of deaths caused by Hurricane Maria:

“The comments made by Donald Trump are disgusting, vile, and show just who he is. The lives lost because of Maria were very real, and the island is still dealing with the devastating effects and poor federal response. Nearly 3,000 people died and his administration failed the people of Puerto Rico. Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis meanwhile continue to praise his actions during Hurricane Maria and say they would do nothing differently. Scott and DeSantis should immediately denounce these remarks and stop enabling his despicable behavior.”