President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, July 18, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - President Donald Trump says he's "the best thing that ever happened to Puerto Rico" and he renewed his attacks on the U.S. territory's officials on a day when tens of thousands marched on the island to demand the resignation of Gov. Ricardo Roselló.
Trump didn't respond directly Monday when asked if Rosselló should step down, but described him as "a terrible governor."
He aimed most of his fire at San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz, who has frequently derided him and complained about the federal response to 2017's Hurricane Maria. Trump described her as "a horror show" and "grossly incompetent."
Trump said Congress has given Puerto Rico billions to recover from the hurricane and complained it's "in the hands of incompetent people and very corrupt people."
The president called himself "the best thing that ever happened to Puerto Rico" and added, "We did a great job in Puerto Rico. They don't like to give me the credit for it, but we did a great job. I have many Puerto Rican friends. I have a real understanding of Puerto Rico."