Trump Surveys Texas Flood Devastation, Commends Response and Signals FEMA Reforms

President Donald Trump surveyed the wreckage left by catastrophic flash flooding in central Texas on Friday

praising the “incredible” work of over 2,100 first responders even as questions linger over local warning systems and FEMA’s future. A week earlier, torrential rain caused the Guadalupe River in Kerr County to rise 26 feet within an hour, inundating Camp Mystic and surrounding communities. At least 121 lives were lost—including dozens of children—and more than 170 people remain unaccounted for.

Speaking at a roundtable inside the Happy State Bank Expo Hall, Trump and First Lady Jennifer Pence expressed “the love and support and anguish of our entire nation.” “We mourn for every single life swept away,” Trump said. “We pray for the families left behind. The incredible spirit from those families is amazing.”

Trump praised state and local officials, including Governor Greg Abbott and local emergency teams, for their prompt action. “Everyone did an incredible job under circumstances we’ve never seen before,” he told reporters, rebuffing suggestions that warnings came too late. When asked if the alert system had failed, he responded, “Only an evil person would ask a question like that.”

Despite his previous campaign vow to dismantle FEMA, Trump struck a supportive tone toward the agency’s efforts, noting that it “deployed multiple emergency units as fast as anybody’s ever seen.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem—leading a FEMA review council—echoed his praise, emphasizing the importance of “hugging and comforting people” in crisis zones. “This is a time for all of us to serve each other,” Noem said.

However, administration officials are quietly advancing plans to reshape FEMA. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to confirm whether the president still intends to shutter the agency, stating instead that “whether assistance comes from states or the federal government is a policy discussion that will continue.” Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought added that while FEMA’s reserves remain robust, the president “will continue asking tough questions” to streamline operations.

Local leaders face scrutiny over the speed and clarity of flood warnings. County officials have defended their protocols, pointing to multiple advisories issued before the deluge. Meanwhile, search efforts press on, with robust coordination among local, state, and federal teams.

As Texas begins the long recovery, Trump’s visit underscores the balance between honoring frontline heroism and advancing broader debates on disaster preparedness and federal oversight.