Trump Defends Federal Response to Hill Country Floods During Texas Visit
KERRVILLE, Texas — During a high-profile visit to Central Texas on Friday, former President Donald Trump praised federal efforts in the wake of catastrophic July Fourth flooding that left at least 120 people dead and entire communities devastated. Trump toured flood-damaged areas near the Guadalupe River, met with local officials and first responders, and pushed back against criticism of the government’s preparedness and relief efforts.
When pressed by a reporter about the adequacy of federal weather warnings before the storm, Trump lashed out, calling the question “evil” and praising the government’s performance under pressure. “Everyone did an incredible job, under the circumstances,” Trump stated before abruptly dismissing the reporter’s concerns.
Supporters at the roundtable quickly rallied behind the former president. Rep. Chip Roy, whose district includes parts of the hardest-hit areas, thanked Trump directly: “When I called you on Friday, you said, ‘whatever you need.’ I can’t thank you enough.”
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Gov. Greg Abbott, sitting beside Trump, praised the administration for moving swiftly: “This is the fastest I’ve ever seen an administration respond — collaborative and coordinated.”
Federal Assistance and Rising Questions
The disaster prompted Trump to sign a major disaster declaration two days after the flooding began, unlocking federal funds for housing assistance, home repairs, and low-interest loans for uninsured property damage.
However, in the aftermath, there’s been growing concern about FEMA’s speed and efficiency. Although the White House insists that the National Weather Service issued timely and accurate warnings, critics point to delays in FEMA’s recovery response and limited access to search-and-rescue resources in the crucial early days.
Compounding the concern, CNN reported that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem — whose department oversees FEMA — implemented a policy requiring her personal approval of any FEMA grant or contract over $100,000, slowing key aid distribution. FEMA has since formed a task force to fast-track the process.
Disruption in FEMA Services
Adding fuel to the criticism, The New York Times reported that FEMA failed to answer nearly two-thirds of disaster-related calls just days after the flood. The lapse followed the expiration of hundreds of call center contracts on July 5, which Noem reportedly delayed in renewing for nearly a week.
In response, Texas Democrats led by Reps. Greg Casar and Jasmine Crockett sent a letter to FEMA’s administrator demanding clarity on the policies that hampered aid distribution.
Despite the controversy, Trump’s visit served to reaffirm support from Texas’ GOP lawmakers. He was joined aboard Air Force One by Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, along with Housing Secretary Scott Turner and Rep. Wesley Hunt, a rising Republican figure and potential Senate candidate.
FEMA’s Future in the Spotlight
The disaster has reignited debate over Trump’s earlier calls to restructure or scale back FEMA, shifting more disaster response responsibilities to the states. Trump reiterated his stance: “A governor should be able to handle it, and frankly, if they can’t, maybe they shouldn’t be governor.”
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Abbott, who is part of a White House advisory council on FEMA reform, echoed the sentiment, stating in May that Texas has proven it can respond more effectively than “slow and clunky” federal agencies.
But the unprecedented scale of the Kerrville floods — and the delays in federal assistance — are testing that vision. Critics argue that even capable states need robust federal support during widespread emergencies.
Despite the political tug-of-war, Abbott announced that a special legislative session beginning July 21 will explore long-term solutions, including public hearings in Kerrville where residents can voice their concerns and suggest reforms.
