Trump says he’ll visit Puerto Rico next Tuesday to survey hurricane damage

President Donald Trump will visit hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico next week to survey damage, he told reporters Tuesday morning.

Trump, who has faced mounting questions about his commitment to the recovery of the U.S. territory, said next Tuesday will be the earliest he is able to visit the island because of logistical issues.

He said the people of Puerto Rico “are important to all of us.”

Trump said he might also stop in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which also suffered extensive damage from the storm, which left most of Puerto Rico without power.

Trump spoke to reporters during a meeting on tax reform at the White House with Republican and Democratic members of the House Ways and Means Committee.

After being praised for his performance in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Trump has received lower marks for his response to Maria. Administration officials have said they are providing a robust response but have faced some challenges because of the extent of the damage.