KERRVILLE, TX — President Donald Trump arrived in Texas today to survey the aftermath of last weekend’s catastrophic floods, which have left 121 dead and over 170 still missing, according to CBS News. Joined by First Lady Melania Trump and top GOP officials including Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, Trump met with first responders and local leaders in a bid to project unity and federal support.
“A horrible thing,” Trump said before his visit, noting he would be joined by “some of the great families and others — the governors, everybody.”
🤝 Trump Highlights Federal-Local Coordination
Trump’s visit aimed to underscore his administration’s support for Texas and its rescue efforts, amidst mounting political criticism over the federal response. A senior aide said Trump views himself as a “fixer” and believes it’s important to “let people know you care.”
Ahead of the trip, Trump extended the major disaster declaration to include eight more counties, ensuring they qualify for federal aid.
🏛 Who Joined Trump in Texas:
- First Lady Melania Trump
- Texas GOP Sens. Cruz & Cornyn
- Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX)
- Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins
- HUD Secretary Scott Turner
- SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler
🚨 FEMA Controversy Looms Large
While Trump attempts to lead a show of solidarity, backlash is growing over potential cuts to key disaster-response agencies, including FEMA, NOAA, and the National Weather Service.
Defend America Action criticized the visit, accusing Trump of having “systematically weakened” emergency response agencies. And House Democrats, led by Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia, sent a letter to FEMA demanding answers on alleged delays.
“FEMA has $13 billion in reserves right now,” said OMB Director Russ Vought, adding that reform—not abolishment—is the goal. Internal discussions suggest FEMA will undergo a rebranding, not elimination, emphasizing state-led responses.
🕯 Camp Mystic Tragedy Deepens Outrage
The deaths of 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic have sparked national attention. The camp’s director, Dick Eastland, who died in the flood, had warned for decades about flooding dangers in the area. A warning system he once championed was shut down in 1999, raising questions about long-ignored risks.
🌊 Flooding Expands Nationwide
Texas is not alone. There were 550 flood reports across the country this week, including in North Carolina and New Mexico. Forecasters expect severe flooding to return to the Midwest today and the South tomorrow.
📺 Coming Up: Trump Speaks at 4 PM ET
Trump will give a televised interview on Fox News’ “The Will Cain Show”, where he’s expected to address the federal response, FEMA’s future, and more.
RELATED DEVELOPMENTS
1. 💼 Federal Layoffs Surge
The Trump administration is pushing agencies to finalize reduction-in-force plans. The State Department laid off 1,200 employees today, including 246 foreign service officers, as part of a Supreme Court-cleared reorganization.
2. 🤝 No Gaza Ceasefire Yet
Israeli PM Netanyahu left Washington without a Gaza ceasefire deal, despite weeks of optimistic signals. NYT reports Netanyahu prolonged the war for political survival, ignoring key warning signs in 2023.
3. 🌏 Rubio’s Asia Push Falls Short
Secretary of State Marco Rubio returned from Southeast Asia with only partial progress on tariffs and defense cooperation. He called the China meeting “constructive,” and suggested a Trump–Xi summit could happen later this year.
4. 🇧🇷 Brazil Tariffs Heat Up
Trump slapped tariffs on Brazil amid controversy over Jair Bolsonaro’s trial. Bolsonaro’s son lobbied for leniency, but Trump said talks may happen “at some point.”
5. 🇷🇺 Russia–Ukraine Update
Trump teased a big announcement on Russia for Monday, while Rubio voiced frustration over Putin during a meeting with Russia’s foreign minister in Malaysia.
6. 🔍 Epstein Case Sparks Infighting
FBI’s Dan Bongino and AG Pam Bondi are reportedly clashing over mishandling of Epstein case video evidence. Bongino allegedly stormed out after backlash over a “missing minute” in the footage.
7. 🗳 Immigration Support Soars
Despite ongoing deportation efforts, Gallup reports record-high public support for immigration — 79% of Americans now see immigration as a good thing, with only 30% calling for reduced numbers.