x
Breaking News
More () »

Gov. Rick Scott: 'I disagree' with Trump for disputing Puerto Rico death toll

Florida Gov. Rick Scott again disputes President Trump's widely-criticized claim that 3,000 people did not die during and following Hurricane Maria last year.
Credit: 10News
Florida Gov. Rick Scott

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Florida Gov. Rick Scott again distanced himself from the president's Twitter claim that 3,000 people did not die during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria despite a widely-accepted study.

Scott tweeted in response, saying he agreed with the study to raise the death toll from 64 people to 2,975 and Puerto Rico's governor for accepting the revised number.

"I disagreed with what [President Donald Trump] said. ... I saw the devastation there," said Scott on Friday.

Scott said he had been to the island seven times since the hurricane struck.

"I disagreed with him immediately," Scott said. "...I represent Florida and when I agree with the president, I'll agree with him. When I disagree with him, I'll disagree with him."

Scott was one of Trump's earliest supporters during the 2016 campaign.

Trump followed up his first Thursday tweet by blaming Democrats -- without evidence -- for raising the death toll.

In Puerto Rico, blackouts are common -- with 60,000 homes still having makeshifts roofs.

►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10News app now.

Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Before You Leave, Check This Out