How the Pentagon Spun Hurricane Maria

Source: Bloomberg

Late last month, Pentagon communications officials inadvertently included Bloomberg climate reporter Christopher Flavelle on an internal distribution list, in which Defense Department and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials discussed their evolving strategy for presenting the response to Hurricane Maria.
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Sept. 28: Eight days after Maria hit, coverage of the federal governments response is getting more negative.
The Government Message: Pentagon officials tell staff to emphasize coverage of life-saving/life-sustaining operations and for spokespeople to avoid language about awaiting instructions from FEMA, as that goes against the teamwork top-line message.

Sept. 29: San Juan Mayor Carmen Yuln Cruz criticizes Washingtons spin, calling Puerto Rico a people-are-dying story. The Government Message: FEMA talking points ignore Cruz, instructing its officials to say that the federal governments full attention is on Hurricane Maria response.

Sept. 30: Trump attacks the mayors poor leadership ability. The Pentagon worries that Trumps dialogue with Cruz is becoming the story, with many criticizing his lack of empathy. The Government Message: FEMA stresses its success in reaching all municipalities in Puerto Rico.

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Read more: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-10-13/how-the-pentagon-spun-hurricane-maria