Hailey
KERRVILLE, Texas — On Friday, former President Donald Trump visited areas in Texas devastated by recent catastrophic flooding, offering praise to state and local leaders despite growing backlash over the speed and adequacy of their warnings before the deadly surge struck.
Trump Acknowledges Devastation but Praises Local Response
During his visit to Kerrville, Trump toured the damaged regions and addressed the ongoing efforts to locate missing persons. Speaking at a temporary emergency operations center inside a local expo hall, the former president emphasized the emotional toll of the disaster while commending the performance of first responders and elected officials.
Behind him hung a “Texas Strong” banner — a symbol of resilience embraced during past natural disasters in the state.
“The search for the missing continues,” Trump said as he sat with local and state officials. “The people that are doing it are unbelievable.”
He followed up with high praise, adding,
“You couldn’t get better people, and they’re doing the job like I don’t think anybody else could, frankly.”
Praise Comes Despite History of Criticism Toward FEMA and Democratic States
The visit marks a noticeable shift in tone for Trump, who has often criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and expressed disdain for how Democratic-led states have handled prior natural calamities.
He has also advocated for downsizing federal agencies, including FEMA, as part of his broader goal to reduce the scope of the federal government.
However, his approach in Texas — a state known for its strong Republican leadership — was markedly different. His words were more empathetic and supportive, suggesting a recognition of the magnitude of the disaster and the effort underway to manage the aftermath.
Backlash Over Early Warnings Grows
Despite Trump’s praise, state and local officials are facing criticism for not issuing timely alerts to residents. Many affected communities claim they received insufficient warning before the flash flooding swept through, resulting in significant casualties and damage.
The lack of proactive communication has sparked public concern, prompting questions about emergency preparedness and infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
While former President Trump’s visit to Kerrville brought national attention to the tragedy and offered moral support to responders and officials, the flood’s impact and the controversy over delayed alerts continue to dominate local discourse.
His contrasting tone — empathetic in Texas compared to critical in other states — underscores the complex political and human dynamics in the wake of natural disasters.
As recovery efforts continue, both the heroism of first responders and the need for accountability remain in sharp focus.