President Trump Visits Texas to Survey Aftermath of Catastrophic Flooding
KERRVILLE — President Donald Trump said Friday he’s witnessed the damage caused by past hurricanes and tornadoes but never seen anything like the devastation wrought by the recent flash flooding in Texas Hill Country.
“Trees that are 100 years old just ripped out of the ground,” Trump said after surveying the area with state leaders and receiving a briefing from emergency management officials. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Trump traveled to Texas to meet with local officials and first responders in the region devastated on July 4 by floods that killed at least 121 people.
His comments came at a roundtable at a local community center and staging area that included key members of his Cabinet, along with Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, state lawmakers, Congressional Republicans from Texas and local leaders.
The Devastation and Response
The visit came as some Democrats question whether staffing cuts or budget concerns hampered the federal response to the flooding. Trump also was asked by a reporter about families frustrated they didn’t receive timely alerts to the flooding.
A “Texas Strong” sign hung in front of Trump as he promised to put the power of the White House behind relief efforts.
Photos: President Trump visits Texas to survey aftermath of catastrophic flooding
Trump’s Response to Criticism
Trump pushed back on questions about the federal response, calling those who ask them “evil” and saying everyone in the room did an “incredible job” — and that the public knows it.
“It’s easy to sit back and say, ‘Oh, what could have happened here or there? You know, maybe we could have done something differently,’” Trump said. “This was a thing that’s never happened before.”
Investigations and Hearings
Democrats on Capitol Hill have called for oversight hearings and investigations, writing letters requesting documents from key federal agencies about the response.
They have questioned whether the Federal Emergency Management Agency has adequate staffing after administration cuts and highlighted Trump’s talk of overhauling the agency.
Texas Republicans at the table praised the administration for responding quickly to their request for assistance by providing funding and deploying personnel to the area.
Rebuilding and Recovery
Abbott thanked Trump for a federal response to the disaster that he characterized as remarkably swift, including a quick disaster declaration that allowed resources to flow.
Abbott said the state remains committed to helping the area affected by the flooding.
“We’re here for the long run,” Abbott said. “We will maintain our operations to search and find everybody that we can, as well as ensure that we’re going to rebuild this community, from Hunt to Camp Mystic to Kerrville, down below.”
Trump’s Message of Condolence
Trump was also acting as consoler-in-chief, a role that has fallen to many presidents in the wake of horrible tragedies that shock the country.
He talked about the catastrophic floodwaters that claimed so many lives while people were sleeping. He focused in on Camp Mystic, a well-known girls Christian summer camp hit by the flooding.
“They were there because they loved God,” Trump said of the campers. “And as we grieve this unthinkable tragedy, we take comfort in the knowledge that God has welcomed those little, beautiful girls into his comforting arms in heaven.”
Search and Recovery Efforts
About 160 people are still missing as search and recovery teams worked in towns up and down the Guadalupe River.
Among those who traveled to Texas with Trump on Air Force One were the state’s Republican U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, as well as U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Houston.
FEMA’s Response and Funding
Shortly before Trump left the White House Friday morning, Office of Management and Budget director Russ Vought spoke with reporters about FEMA.
“FEMA has $13 billion in its reserves right now to continue to pay for the necessary expenses,” Vought said, adding that “the president has said to Texas, anything it needs it will get.”
He continued that, at the same time, “we also want FEMA to be reformed. We want FEMA to work well … the president is going to continue to be asking tough questions of all of his agencies.”
Conclusion
The visit by President Trump to Texas was a show of support for the state and the people affected by the flooding. The federal government has pledged to provide assistance and funding to help with the recovery efforts. As the search and recovery teams continue their work, the people of Texas will come together to rebuild and recover from this devastating disaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the cause of the flooding in Texas?
A: The flooding in Texas was caused by heavy rainfall in the area, which led to a flash flood that devastated the region.
Q: How many people were killed in the flooding?
A: At least 121 people were killed in the flooding, with many more still missing.
Q: What is the federal government doing to help with the recovery efforts?
A: The federal government has pledged to provide assistance and funding to help with the recovery efforts, including a quick disaster declaration that allowed resources to flow.
Q: How can people help with the recovery efforts?
A: People can help with the recovery efforts by donating to reputable organizations, volunteering their time, and providing support to those affected by the flooding.
