Presidential dos and don'ts during natural disasters

Presidential dos and don'ts during natural disasters

Trump can learn from past presidential approaches to natural cataclysms

By Barbara Perry

Read the full story at The Hill

When it comes to acts of God, modern presidents have faced their unfair share in truly biblical proportions. Pandemics, epidemics, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, droughts and earthquakes have sprung to the top of presidential agendas. From Exodus’s 10 plagues inflicted on Egypt by Yahweh, only hoards of insects seem to be missing from recent U.S. catastrophes. With climate change upon us, and the proliferation of invasive species (China apparently sent us stink bugs, too), could frogs, lice, flies and locusts be far behind? 

As President Trump faces the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his administration can take heed of history’s lessons from past presidential approaches to natural cataclysms.

Read the full story at The Hill

Barbara Perry headshot

Barbara Perry

Barbara A. Perry is the Gerald L. Baliles Professor and Director of Presidential Studies at the Miller Center, where she co-directs the Presidential Oral History Program. She has authored or edited 14 books on presidents, First Ladies, the Kennedy family, the Supreme Court, and civil rights and civil liberties.