Texas Flood: Trump Visits Affected Sites And Defends Officials Amid Mounting Questions About Response

Trump Applauds Emergency Response, Avoids Talk Of FEMA Cuts

Speaking at a roundtable with officials at a makeshift emergency operations center in Kerrville, Trump commended Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and first responders for what he described as an “incredible job.” The president also approved Texas' request to expand the major disaster declaration to eight additional counties, enabling more communities to access federal aid.

Though Trump has previously called for FEMA to be phased out as part of his broader government downsizing agenda, he avoided such remarks in Texas. Instead, he emphasized the scale of the flooding and its suddenness. Officials said over a foot of rain fell in under an hour on July 4, causing river levels to rise from one foot to over 34 feet, sweeping away trees, structures, and vehicles. Among the victims were at least 36 children, many of whom were attending Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old all-girls Christian summer retreat along the Guadalupe River.

ALSO READ: Texas Floods Leave Trail Of Destruction: Hundreds Dead, Homes Lost, Crops Underwater | In Pics

Criticism Grows Over Early Warnings And Preparedness

Tensions flared amid the devastating situation when a reporter asked whether the government had failed to provide timely warnings ahead of the flooding. “I think everyone did an incredible job under the circumstances,” Trump said. “I don’t know who you are, but only a very evil person would ask a question like that,” he added.

The exchange highlighted the political sensitivities surrounding the federal response, especially amid questions over budget cuts to FEMA and the National Weather Service. Trump administration officials have insisted the cuts did not impair forecasting capabilities. US Representative Chip Roy, whose district includes some of the hardest-hit areas, echoed Trump’s frustration with critics, calling the concerns about delayed alerts “ridiculous.”

Trump and Melania visit a scene of devastation along the banks of the Guadalupe River, US. (Image Source: Reuters)

ALSO READ: Trump's Biggest Action On US State Dept: Fires Over 1,300 Civil Servants And Top Diplomats, Rubio Reacts

Earlier in the day, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump met privately with families of the victims, including those who lost children at Camp Mystic. “They were there because they loved God,” Trump said. The first lady shared that she received a bracelet from girls at the camp in memory of those lost and pledged to return in support. In Kerrville, green ribbons honoring Camp Mystic victims were tied to poles and trees, and marquees read messages like “Hill Country Strong.”