Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump confirmed Monday he will travel to Texas on Friday following massive flooding that has killed more than 100 people, including dozens at a summer camp along the Guadalupe River.
Speaking to reporters Monday evening, Trump called the flooding in Central Texas a “terrible event” and said he delayed his visit to avoid interfering with active rescue operations.
“I would have gone Sunday, but I would be in their way,” Trump said.
Historic rainfall early Friday morning caused the Guadalupe River to rise 25 feet in just 45 minutes near Kerr County, leading to widespread devastation. At least 84 of the confirmed deaths occurred in Kerr County, including 27 at Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp on the riverbank.
Last week, Trump signed a federal disaster declaration for the affected region, authorizing additional federal assistance for response and recovery efforts. Meteorologists say the July 4 flooding was fueled by intense rainfall in a short period, overwhelming the region’s river systems.
“I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need,” Trump announced on Truth Social Sunday. “These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing. The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders.”
“Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State,” he added. “Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called out attacks on the Trump administration over the deadly flooding.
“Unfortunately, in the wake of this once-in-a-generation natural disaster, we have seen many falsehoods pushed by Democrats such as Chuck Schumer and some members of the media,” Leavitt said in her opening statement Monday at the White House. “Blaming President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie. And it serves no purpose during this time of national mourning.”