Trump visits flood-devastated Texas as death toll hits 120, emergency response under fire

President Donald Trump visited flood-stricken areas in Texas on July 11, 2025, to assess the damage caused by catastrophic flash floods that have resulted in at least 120 fatalities and left over 170 individuals missing. The floods, which began on July 4, overwhelmed the Guadalupe River, leading to widespread devastation in the Texas Hill Country, particularly in Kerr County.

Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, President Trump toured the hardest-hit regions, including Kerrville, where the floodwaters caused significant destruction. During a roundtable discussion with local officials and first responders, Trump praised the efforts of those involved in the rescue and recovery operations, stating, “The search for the missing continues. The people that are doing it are unbelievable.”

The flooding has been described as a “100-year catastrophe,” with water levels rising rapidly due to intense rainfall. In Kerr County, the death toll has reached at least 103, with 67 adults and 36 children among the victims. Many of the children were campers at Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer retreat located along the Guadalupe River. The camp has been particularly affected, with at least 27 campers initially reported missing.

As search and rescue operations continue, concerns have been raised about the adequacy of emergency response measures. Reports indicate that some residents did not receive timely evacuation warnings, potentially exacerbating the disaster’s impact. In response, President Trump suggested the implementation of flood warning systems, stating, “After having seen this horrible event, I would imagine you’d put alarms up in some form.”

The Trump administration has faced scrutiny over its handling of the disaster. Critics have questioned the impact of budget cuts to federal agencies, such as the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), on the effectiveness of the response. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the government’s actions, describing the response as “swift and efficient.”

In the aftermath of the floods, local officials and residents have called for improved infrastructure and preparedness to mitigate future flood risks. The tragedy has underscored the need for robust emergency response systems and proactive measures to protect communities in flood-prone areas.