MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace Explains Why Trump's Family Separation Crisis Is His Own Self-Induced 'Hurricane Katrina'

MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace argued Tuesday that President Donald Trump's conscience-defying policy of separating immigrant kids from their parents at the border has several important similarities to some of the worst days in President George W. Bush's administration.

"With the president firmly dug in on a policy of forcibly separating children from their parents at the border, it's time to draw the obvious parallel to what this moment may represent for this White House," Wallace said. "Having served on the White House staff during Hurricane Katrina and its tragic aftermath, there are clear parallels to the situation the Trump administration finds itself in now — minus the natural disaster and the president eager to right the ship."

Katrina, which hit New Orleans in 2005 and killed more than 1,800 people, is seen as one of the lowest points of Bush's presidency and a paradigmatic example of presidential failure. Wallace was a communications staffer for Bush.

"What the two crises share: inescapable images that capture the nation's attention and overshadow other news; a slow response from the federal government; a deficient message and deficient messengers; a perception that racial discrimination is at play; and, most importantly, no end in sight," Wallace said.

She added: "All suggesting that for Trump, this crisis will be more than just another stain on an administration tinged by incompetence. For Trump, this crisis may be defining."

Watch the clip below: