Scott, Nelson Respond To Trump's Tweets On Puerto Rico Death Toll

Gov. Rick Scott and Sen. Bill Nelson, who face each other in Florida's U.S. Senate race, were quick to respond to President Trump's comments disputing the death toll of 2,975 in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. The president tweeted on Thursday that the number of deaths was much lower, "from 6 to 18" and said the higher number was a plan by Democrats "to make me look as bad as possible when I was successfully raising billions of dollars to help rebuild Puerto Rico."

Nelson called Trump's comments "shameful. We deserve and expect more from someone who holds the highest office in our country," the senator said.

Scott said he had been to Puerto Rico seven times and saw the devastation firsthand. "The loss of any life is tragic; the extent of lives lost as a result of Maria is heart wrenching," the governor said.

A report from George Washington University released last month said that an estimated 2,975 people died in Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria, the Washington Post reported. Prior to that report, the death toll had been estimated at 64 deaths from the hurricane.

Other Florida officials have also responded to Trump's comments:

Photo via Shutterstock. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump return to the White House after a day trip to Puerto Rico where he viewed and was briefed on the Hurricane Irma devastation.