- Trump visits Kerrville, Texas, after catastrophic floods kill over 135 people.
- Faces backlash for dismissing questions about possible alert system failures.
- Praises first responders, shifts tone on FEMA, and promises federal support.
Former President Donald Trump traveled to Kerrville, Texas, to witness the aftermath of record-breaking floods that claimed at least 135 lives and left over 160 missing.
However, Trump’s visit took a sharp turn during a press interaction when a reporter asked if delayed warning systems contributed to the high death toll.
Texas Flood Tragedy: Trump Praises Response, Clashes Over Warning Failures
Kerrville, nestled in Texas Hill Country, saw devastation not experienced in generations. Locals lined the streets wearing green ribbons in memory of flood victims, especially the young girls lost at Camp Mystic. Many expressed gratitude for Trump’s presence, while others voiced frustration over the lack of early alerts that could have saved lives.
Interestingly, Trump took a markedly different tone on FEMA compared to past criticisms. Though he had previously advocated for reducing its role, he now emphasized its importance, calling its team “good people doing great work.” The shift suggests a reassessment of federal disaster response amid public pressure.
While steering clear of political jabs for most of his visit, Trump briefly boasted about reduced food costs under his administration and accused Democrats of using the tragedy for partisan criticism. Congressman Chip Roy, a Trump ally, defended the local government, calling concerns about alert failures “ridiculous.”
State officials like Kerr County Commissioner Jeff Holt acknowledged the need for improvements in disaster communication, including repairs to disabled phone towers and a more robust early warning system. Holt’s remarks suggest some openness to evaluating the crisis response, even if federal leadership remains deflective.
Trump’s Texas visit underscored the emotional toll of the floods and spotlighted unresolved issues about emergency preparedness. His mixed messaging reflects both empathy and deflection at a time when accountability matters most.
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn
