Trump Visits Flood-Hit Kerrville Amid Rising Questions Over Disaster Preparedness
United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited Kerrville, Texas, on Friday, where they met firefighters and first responders in the aftermath of devastating flash floods that have killed at least 120 and left 160 missing.
The July 4 disaster—one of the worst in Texas history—was triggered by the Guadalupe River rising over 26 feet in less than an hour, inundating large parts of Kerr County.
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| Image Source: WhiteHouse on X |
Trump called the flood a “hundred-year catastrophe” during a roundtable with officials including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
The visit comes amid mounting criticism of the administration's cuts to FEMA and NOAA, which some argue undermined early warning systems and delayed federal response.
Democratic lawmakers have demanded congressional hearings into the handling of the disaster, pointing to a reported 72-hour delay in FEMA deployment.
The White House rejected the accusations. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called them “depraved,” while officials emphasized Trump’s record in disaster recovery.
The floods have reignited debate over U.S. disaster policy and climate resilience. Scientists link the severity of the Kerrville flood to warming Gulf waters and record 2024 rainfall levels—trends consistent with climate change.
Trump has not commented on any policy changes regarding climate adaptation.
Relief efforts are ongoing. Over $30 million has been raised, with $5 million already distributed to impacted families.
A memorial wall in Kerrville bears names of the victims, including 28 children and counselors from Camp Mystic.
Texas lawmakers have announced hearings on state emergency systems, while national attention turns to long-term infrastructure and preparedness reforms.