Did Trump Dismiss Criticism During Texas Flood Visit?
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Synopsis
In a recent visit to Texas, President Trump faced criticism over his handling of the devastating floods that occurred on July 4. With search efforts ongoing, Trump commended local and federal responses, while also dismissing questions about alert delays. Discover the unfolding aftermath of this tragic event and the political implications it carries.
Key Takeaways
- Texas flooding resulted in significant loss of life and ongoing search efforts.
- Trump's visit included a defense of his administration's response.
- Economic losses due to the floods are estimated between $18 billion and $22 billion.
- Critics question the timeliness of alerts and federal response.
- Local and federal responders are working diligently to assist affected areas.
Houston, July 12 (NationPress) - US President Donald Trump traveled to central Texas to address the backlash regarding his administration's response to the devastating flooding that occurred on July 4, which resulted in at least 121 fatalities and left over 150 individuals missing.
The search efforts are still ongoing, but officials from the severely affected Kerr County reported that no survivors have been located since July 5, as noted by the Xinhua news agency.
Over 2,100 responders from local entities, 20 states, and various federal agencies have participated in the search and rescue operations.
Trump remarked on the efficacy of local, state, and federal efforts, stating they have done an “incredible job” in managing the crisis while he surveyed the damage on Friday.
“We were just taking a brief tour of the area. It’s hard to comprehend the scale of the destruction. Trees that are centuries old, uprooted. I’ve never seen anything like this,” Trump expressed.
During a roundtable discussion, he praised the response efforts, saying, “This has been remarkable, truly, the work you’ve all done. I’ve encountered some severe situations; this is unprecedented.”
When questioned by a reporter regarding the lack of timely alerts before the flooding, Trump retorted: “I’m not sure who you are, but only a very malevolent person would pose such a question.”
Trump also criticized Democrats who condemned his administration’s response and called for investigations, asserting, “All they aim to do is criticize; the public is wise to it.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, accompanying Trump, commended the federal response as “swift and effective.”
Earlier this week, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer raised concerns that staff reductions at the National Weather Service under Trump’s administration might have hindered rain forecasting and flood alerts.
Reports indicated that search-and-rescue teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were not authorized for deployment until more than 72 hours after the flooding commenced due to new spending approval requirements set by Trump’s administration.
A group of House Democrats articulated in a letter to FEMA and the National Weather Service that this situation could lead to an “unmitigated disaster” and worsening impacts from extreme weather events, advocating for congressional hearings on the flood response.
Trump criticized the then-Biden administration’s handling of a previous major flooding event that resulted in at least 103 deaths in September, as well as California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom regarding wildfires earlier this year.
The flash floods affecting at least 20 counties in central Texas are expected to result in damages and economic losses estimated between $18 billion and $22 billion, according to preliminary assessments from the US weather forecasting service AccuWeather.
Point of View
I maintain an objective stance on the ongoing situation in Texas. While the administration's response to this disaster is under scrutiny, it is crucial to focus on the facts and the individuals affected by this tragedy, ensuring that our reporting remains fair and balanced.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are missing after the Texas floods?
Over 150 individuals are currently reported missing following the catastrophic flooding in Texas.
What is the estimated economic loss from the Texas floods?
Preliminary assessments estimate that the flooding in Texas will result in economic losses ranging from $18 billion to $22 billion.
What criticism has President Trump faced regarding the flood response?
Trump has faced criticism for the delayed activation of FEMA teams and questions about the National Weather Service's staffing cuts impacting flood alert systems.
How many responders are involved in the search and rescue efforts?
Over 2,100 responders from local organizations, 20 states, and various federal agencies are currently engaged in search and rescue operations.
What did Trump say about the devastation he witnessed?
Trump described the devastation as hard to believe, noting the destruction of centuries-old trees and stating he had never seen anything like it before.
