Hurricane Maria's devastating blow to Puerto Rico has renewed interest in how the island's relationship with the U.S. functions. Trump's decision to keep the Jones Act in place is also feeding into a narrative that the president is aloof to Puerto Rico's problems. His administration lifted the Jones Act to help Texas and Florida after hurricanes Harvey in August and Irma this month. Lewis said that most fuel comes through foreign ships, so lifting the Jones Act wouldn't help Puerto Rico much anyway. Why it probably will exist for the foreseeable future: The Jones Act has long had powerful friends.

Source: Washington Post September 27, 2017 18:34 UTC