The White House has confirmed that President Obama will visit Baton Rouge Tuesday.
This morning the president received an update from DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson on the ongoing response and recovery efforts to the severe flooding, following the secretary's trip to the region on Thursday. During his visit, Johnson met with state and local officials, viewed the ongoing response and recovery, and visited local shelters where those impacted by the flooding are receiving food and disaster-caused needs.
According to the White House, the president, who is vacationing in Martha's Vineyard, has been receiving updates on the flooding from the DHS secretary and the FEMA administrator, who took separate trips to the state.
The president was quick to respond to Gov. John Bel Edwards' request to declare 20 parishes a disaster area, making those affected by the flooding eligible for federal assistance.
The president today directed his team to coordinate with Louisiana officials to determine an appropriate time for him to visit, and together they decided he will arrive in Baton Rouge Tuesday, Aug. 23.
Additional details will be announced in the coming days.
The White House says the president wants to ensure that his presence does not interfere with ongoing recovery efforts, but that he is eager to get a first-hand look at the impact of the devastating floods, hear from more officials about the response, including how the federal government can assist and tell the people of Louisiana that the American people will be with them as they rebuild their community and come back stronger than ever.