Baton Rouge, LA – Trump Tours Flooded Louisiana, In Spite Of Governor’s ‘Photo Op’ Admonishment

Baton Rouge, LA – U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate toured flood-damaged Louisiana on Friday, despite the Democratic state governor’s urging not to make political stops in areas affected by recent deadly rains.

Trump ‘s motorcade drove past piles of possessions and building materials that had been ripped out of flooded homes en route to Greenwell Springs Baptist Church in a hard-hit portion of East Baton Rouge Parish.

“You’re going to be fine,” Trump told several dozen supporters gathered outside, many asking for autographs and selfies.

Some 40,000 homes were damaged and at least 13 people died in a deluge that dumped more than 2-1/2 feet (0.76 meter) on parts of Louisiana in what has been described as the worst U.S. disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

Trump told reporters he came to help out. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards’ office, however, had said Trump did not call to discuss plans.

“We welcome him to (Louisiana), but not for a photo op,” the governor’s office said in a statement, urging Trump to volunteer or make “a sizable donation.”

Yet Kellie Michelli, who lost her home in the flood and was also at the church to pick up food with her family, beamed as she showed off an autograph on a Trump hat from an earlier rally in Baton Rouge.

“He took time out of his busy schedule to come here,” Michelli said. “I don’t care if he gives a nickel, he showed he cared by coming here.”

Trump’s vice presidential running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, also toured flood-ravaged areas of a state that is typically a Republican stronghold in presidential elections.

Trump’s campaign team was changed again on Friday when Paul Manafort resigned as chairman days after the candidate effectively demoted him in a leadership shake-up.

Hillary Clinton, Trump’s Democratic rival in the Nov. 8 election, said on social media that she had spoken with the governor by phone on Friday, and the flooding was worse than expected.

“My heart breaks for Louisiana, and right now, the relief effort can’t afford any distractions,” she said on Facebook, directing people to support organizations providing assistance.

Trump said he agreed with some people in Louisiana who have urged President Barack Obama to cut short a vacation on Martha’s Vineyard in New England to visit and view the flood devastation.

“He really should,” Trump told reporters.

Obama’s vacation is due to end on Sunday. Edwards has said that he would prefer the president wait a few weeks before visiting, as the huge presidential security undertaking involved would interfere with recovery efforts.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate have visited Louisiana. Both defended Obama’s decision not to come.

“We still have response operations going on,” Fugate told CNN, after briefing Obama this week about the response.

The president has also declared much of the state a federal disaster, freeing up emergency resources.

In 2005, then-President George W. Bush, a Republican, drew criticism for flying over extensively damaged New Orleans, Louisiana, and then giving a speech in the still-flooded city following Hurricane Katrina.

Some 86,500 people have already filed for federal aid following the historic levels of rainfall, while thousands have sought refuge in shelters. Entire neighborhoods must now contend with flood-hit homes.