In general, I see Flint’s water as (1) a small issue, and (2) a local rather than federal issue. However, I still agree with you. Trump can for a relatively modest amount of money fix a real problem, created by democrats, that is tied up in litigation. It is more important for him to appoint originalist justices to the Supreme Court (preferably age 40-45, 50 at most), repeal Obamacare, and enforce immigration law while he builds the wall.
Trump can and should do all that, but he can also reward Michigan, which voted for him, and keep his promise on helping the cities. Philosophically, this is like a FEMA response to a hurricane - FedGov going outside its proper range of responsibilities to deal with a problem beyond the capabilities of the state and local government.
I’m with you - fix Flint’s water (not through massive spending to connected and corrupt companies, but by having Seabees/Corps of Engineers/whatever dig up the lines so that pipefitters/plumbers/machinists contracted to work at a reasonable rate on just the pipes not the digging can replace the lead service lines between the lead-free main water lines and the lead-free home plumbing with new lead-free service lines). 20,000 homes, more or less have lead or unknown service lines. Dig them all up, systematically, keep good records, and replace the ones with lead or perhaps just all of them.
Yes, you make many good points....but my thinking is not in the details, but in the symbolic, strategic plan that Trump can make, which may involve all kinds of things including helping the community to make its own decisions, etc etc...the main point is the symbolism that will reassure and excite people about following Trump’s lead in all other cities.