Kerrville: President Donald Trump arrived in central Texas on Friday to survey the damage caused by catastrophic flooding that killed at least 121 people and left more than 160 missing. The visit comes as criticism mounts over the state’s failed early warning systems and a sluggish federal response.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump landed in Kerrville, one of the worst-hit areas, where they were briefed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, emergency officials, and first responders. The president later met with families of victims and rescue crews who worked along the Guadalupe River after last week’s flash floods.
“It’s a horrible thing, a horrible thing,” Trump told reporters before boarding Marine One. “Nobody can even believe it, such a thing — that much water that fast, without a dam break. But we’re going to be there with some of the great families and others, the governor, everybody.”
🚨 JUST IN: President Trump and First Lady Melania have arrived in Kerrville, the epicenter of the Texas floods
They’ll now be taking an aerial tour to survey the damage, before meeting with first responders, in order to find out the best ways to help the victims 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/a2ZjJ7R41T
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 11, 2025
Also Read: Texas Floods 2025
FEMA reforms questioned as Trump praises Noem’s flood response
The visit takes place against the backdrop of growing scrutiny over the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Earlier this year, Trump said he intended to phase out FEMA and shift responsibility to states. But on Friday, he struck a more cautious tone. “Right now they’re busy working, so we’ll leave it at that,” he said.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who accompanied the president, defended FEMA’s performance despite reports of delays. “Federal Emergency Management will shift from bloated, DC-centric dead weight to a lean, deployable disaster force,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
But some lawmakers expressed alarm. “If accurate, this represents a major deviation from long-standing FEMA protocol that may have slowed down life-saving efforts,” said Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), calling for a congressional investigation.
FLOTUS Melania Trump shakes hands with first responders in Kerrville, Texas.
GOD BLESS OUR FIRST RESPONDERS 🙏 pic.twitter.com/RCcvqmwK3k
— FLOTUS Report (@MELANIAJTRUMP) July 11, 2025
Texas Floods: What We Know
- Where: Central Texas, primarily Kerr County, with overflow from the Guadalupe River
- What: Historic flash floods that killed at least 121, with 160 still missing
- When: Flooding began July 4, with Trump visiting July 11
- Who: Victims include 27 campers and staff at Camp Mystic
- Why: Officials say lack of flood sirens, denied FEMA funding requests, and stalled alerts worsened the disaster
- How: Record rainfall overwhelmed inadequate emergency systems; investigations underway
County’s denied FEMA funding resurfaces amid crisis
Public documents reveal Kerr County officials requested FEMA funding in 2017 and again in 2023 for a local flood warning system but were denied. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. said, “I think everyone in Kerrville, everyone in Kerr County, wishes to God we’d had some way to warn them.”
A report submitted to FEMA in October 2024 warned: “It is likely the county will experience a flood event in the next year.”
Despite that, no sirens or expanded alert infrastructure were installed. Residents now question why warnings didn’t reach vulnerable communities — especially Camp Mystic, where 27 young girls and counselors perished in the early morning surge.
Emotional toll rises as community rebuilds
At a makeshift memorial along the river, families laid flowers and candles. Local artist Roberto Marquez said he plans to craft crosses for each flood victim. “Eventually, all of this becomes like a temple,” he said.
Volunteers like 91-year-old Charles Hanson clear debris daily. “On behalf of the people who can’t be here or shouldn’t be here right now, I’m here,” he said, dragging branches along the Guadalupe’s muddy banks.
“They’re not numbers, you know,” said local resident RickyRay Robertson, tearfully recounting a couple who asked to search his property for their daughter. “I know we’re not gonna find her,” the man told him. “But we can’t just sit in the hotel.”
