Oprah Winfrey donated $2 million to two different Puerto Rico hurricane relief revitalization projects to preserve arts and culture.
The talk show host says she wanted to join the efforts to rebuild Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria destroyed the island in 2017, according to a Tuesday report from Page Six. Winfrey donated $1 million to the Hispanic Federation and another $1 million to the Flamboyan Arts Fund.
“I was so moved by Lin-Manuel Miranda’s commitment to bring ‘Hamilton’ to Puerto Rico and support the community that served him growing up that I wanted to join in the revitalization efforts of an island so rich in culture, beauty and heritage,” Winfrey said in a statement in The Oprah Magazine. (RELATED: Oprah Explains Once More: ‘I Don’t Want To Run’ In 2020 [Video])
“The needs of Puerto Rico and our fellow American citizens following the tragic hurricanes are still very real, and the work that has already been done by the Hispanic Federation, Flamboyan Arts Fund and other organizations on and off the island is long from over,” Winfrey continued.
In addition to Winfrey and Lin-Manuel Miranda, a handful of celebrities have also donated to Puerto Rico’s hurricane relief. Jennifer Lopez donated $1 million to the New York state aid fund. Pitbull and Mark Cuban both donated their planes to help the relief effort in Puerto Rico.
Celebrities also reacted on social media to President Donald Trump’s criticism of the Puerto Rican government. “I think it’s clear where the ‘poor leadership lies @realdonaldtrump Puerto Rico is part of the United States,” Lady Gaga shared on Twitter. “This is our responsibility.”
President Trump has also not supported the amount of funding Puerto Rico has asked for. Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Roselló claims that Trump has yet to schedule a meeting to discuss ongoing relief efforts, according to KTLA5.