President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived in Texas on Friday to assess the devastation caused by the deadly floods that swept through the Texas Hill Country on July 4. Their visit comes as recovery crews continue the search for more than 160 missing people, following what has become one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas in the past 25 years.
Over 120 Confirmed Dead, Dozens Still Missing
More than 120 bodies have been recovered from floodwaters that surged through homes, camps, and public spaces after torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to rise nearly 30 feet in less than an hour. The majority of fatalities — 96 people — occurred in Kerr County, including at least 36 children.
State officials have acknowledged that hopes of finding survivors are dwindling, as no live rescues have occurred since the day the floods began.
Trump Surveys Damage and Meets Emergency Crews
After landing at Kerrville-Kerr County Airport, the presidential motorcade traveled through areas heavily affected by the flooding. Debris, overturned vehicles, and damaged trees were visible along the route.
In Louise Hays Park, President Trump, the First Lady, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott met with firefighters and emergency personnel, receiving a briefing beside a Kerrville Fire Department engine. Trump then greeted and took photos with about 30 emergency responders before boarding a helicopter for an aerial tour of the disaster zone. Lawmakers including Sen. Ted Cruz and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins followed in military aircraft.
“It’s a horrible thing,” Trump told reporters before departing Washington. “Nobody can even believe it. That much water that fast — without a dam break. You’d think a dam would’ve broken.”
White House and FEMA Address Relief Efforts
Ahead of the visit, the White House confirmed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has $13 billion in reserve funds to support disaster relief in Texas. OMB Director Russ Vought reiterated the administration’s commitment, saying, “The president has said to Texas, anything it needs, it will get.”
However, the response has faced criticism. House Democrats, led by Texas Reps. Greg Casar and Jasmine Crockett, along with Ranking Member Robert Garcia, have sent letters to FEMA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) demanding transparency over the federal response and raising concerns about staffing reductions resulting from cuts under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Flood Victims Honored as Crisis Line Launched
Governor Greg Abbott announced the launch of a 24/7 statewide emotional support line for survivors and first responders. The Texas Flooding Emotional Support Line will offer professional crisis counseling and guidance on disaster recovery options.
“This new statewide crisis support line will ensure survivors, families, and first responders have access to emotional support and counseling as they work to heal and recover,” Abbott said.
FAA Restricts Flights as Search Operations Continue
To aid in search efforts, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a temporary flight restriction over affected counties. This follows an incident where a drone collided with a helicopter involved in emergency operations, forcing an emergency landing. No injuries were reported, but the helicopter remains grounded.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid disturbing large piles of debris, as they may still contain victims. Search teams are now focusing on untangling massive wreckage along the Guadalupe River.
Flood Warning System Funding Was Denied
It has come to light that Kerr County previously requested a $1 million grant in 2017 and 2018 to enhance its flood warning system. The grant, which would have funded upgrades to water gauge systems and real-time alert technology, was denied twice by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The rejections have drawn scrutiny in the wake of the disaster.
Victims’ Stories Reflect the Scope of Tragedy
Among those killed were a Texas summer camp director, two young sisters, and a 23-year-old police officer celebrating Independence Day with family. The victims span six counties, and include teachers, parents, grandparents, and children.
- Kerr County: 96 deaths
- Travis County: 8
- Kendall County: 8
- Burnet County: 5
- Williamson County: 3
- Tom Green County: 1
Trump Calls for Alarm System Improvements
In an interview with Meet the Press, Trump described the floods as a “once-in-every-200-year event” and voiced support for a national flood alarm system.
“After seeing this horrible event, I would imagine you’d put alarms up in some form,” Trump said.
Governor Abbott has confirmed that his agenda for an upcoming special legislative session will include discussion of natural disaster preparedness, flood communications, and early warning systems.
As the nation mourns and searches continue, the focus now turns to long-term recovery, accountability, and improvements to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. President Trump’s visit underscores the gravity of the disaster and the urgent need for comprehensive reform in emergency management and flood mitigation.
