Yesterday the official position from the White House and Democrat leadership was that Louisiana didn’t need political distractions as they coped with natural disaster recovery efforts from a historic flood.

Then Trump.

Donald Trump was greeted today in Baton Rouge and Lafayette Louisiana with thanks from volunteers, and cheers of appreciation from residents for “not forgetting” and for drawing “attention to their plight”.

Today the official position from the White House and Democrats is that “leadership is critical”:

WH says @POTUS "eager to get a first-hand look at the impact of the devastating floods" and assess the federal response. — Mark Knoller (@markknoller) August 19, 2016

[…] The President today directed his team to coordinate with Louisiana officials to determine an appropriate time for him to visit, and together they have determined that the President will visit Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Tuesday, August 23rd. Additional details will be announced in the coming days. (White House)

.@SamaritansPurse needs an army of volunteers to respond in Jesus' Name to the #LAFlood. pic.twitter.com/WYWXnj9TOA — Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) August 18, 2016

I was in Louisiana today with flood victims and our disaster relief team. The amount of damage is incredible. https://t.co/YgYDTLEzqf — Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) August 19, 2016

Hope their visit will help shine a spotlight on the great need here. #LAFlood — Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) August 19, 2016

WH says @POTUS "eager to get a first-hand look at the impact of the devastating floods" and assess the federal response. — Mark Knoller (@markknoller) August 19, 2016