President Donald Trump is set to visit Texas this week to assess the damage caused by severe flooding and to meet with local officials. While he hasn’t confirmed the exact timing, he mentioned that his trip will likely take place on Friday. Trump expressed his desire to wait a bit longer before heading to the area so that he wouldn’t interfere with ongoing recovery efforts.
In a statement to reporters, he acknowledged the devastation caused by the floods, which have tragically resulted in at least 80 deaths, primarily in Kerr County. The flooding was sudden and intense, with the Guadalupe River rising 26 feet in just about 45 minutes. Many people camping along the river were caught off guard during one of the busiest weekends for outdoor activities.
During his remarks, Trump pledged continued federal assistance for those affected by the flooding. He emphasized the importance of supporting the local community and expressed his condolences to the families impacted by this disaster. "It’s a horrible thing that took place," he said, adding, "God bless all of the people that have gone through so much."
In response to the crisis, Trump has already signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County. This declaration is meant to ensure that first responders have the necessary resources to help those in need. He noted that over 850 lives have been saved by the U.S. Coast Guard and local responders, highlighting the heroism of those working on the ground.
Trump also addressed concerns about the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which faced criticism after Hurricane Helene’s response last year. He stated that while FEMA is currently busy with recovery efforts, discussions about their role can happen later.
As Texas braces for more potential flooding, the focus remains on recovery and support for those affected by this tragic event. The president’s visit aims to bring attention to the ongoing challenges and to reassure Texans that federal help is on the way.
