As search and recovery efforts continue in the wake of catastrophic flooding across the Texas Hill Country, President Donald Trump joined state and federal leaders in Kerrville to offer support, assess the damage, and lay out the path forward for recovery.
Standing alongside Texas officials and emergency responders, Trump struck a somber tone as he addressed the community.
“Well, this a tough one,” the president said, opening the press conference. “It’s hard to believe the devastation. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
First Lady Melania Trump also addressed the community’s pain, speaking directly to the families affected.
“We are grieving with you. Our nation is grieving with you,” she said, her voice steady with emotion.
The flooding, which began last week after days of relentless rainfall, has left 109 people confirmed dead, with at least 160 still missing, according to state officials. The disaster has overwhelmed emergency services and upended entire communities from Hunt to Camp Mystic and Kerrville.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed that the federal government has expanded the Presidential Disaster Declaration, unlocking more resources through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for impacted counties.
“We remain committed,” Abbott said. “We’re here for the long run.”
He emphasized that the state will continue operations “to find everybody that we can, as well as ensure that we build this community … not just to rebuild, but to rebuild in a better way.”
The press conference brought together a wide array of leaders including both Texas U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and several members of the Texas congressional delegation. Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX-21), whose district includes Kerrville, said federal officials acted swiftly to respond.
“I’ve never seen such a quick response and such a focus on delivering for the people,” Roy said, praising the coordination between federal and state agencies. He also took aim at what he called a media tendency to politicize the crisis.
“The governor said it best when he said that pointing fingers is for losers. This state is about looking forward, and we’ll figure out how to make our systems the best they can be.”
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem described the flooding as an “unprecedented event,” while Nim Kidd, Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), noted that thousands of volunteers have flooded into the region to support relief efforts.
In addition to emergency response and aid, lawmakers are preparing for a longer-term policy response. Governor Abbott has called a special session of the Texas Legislature to begin in 10 days, with flooding and disaster preparedness on the agenda.
Lt. Gov. Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) jointly announced the formation of Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding.
“In the face of such devastation, Texans deserve swift, united action,” Burrows stated.
Patrick confirmed that legislative hearings will be held in Kerrville rather than in Austin.
“We’re going to come to them,” he said. “And we’ll stay here to hear their stories and their needs and their wants.”
