President Donald Trump departed for Texas on Friday to visit areas devastated by unprecedented flooding, marking a key moment in his administration’s response to the deadly disaster. Before boarding Air Force One, Trump called the event “horrible” and “unbelievable,” as he prepared to meet with victims’ families and survey the damage firsthand.
What to Know:
The president spoke briefly to reporters on the South Lawn before departing
Called the flooding a “once-in-every-200-year deal” and “a terrible thing”
He’s scheduled to tour hard-hit areas by air and meet with first responders
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, Sen. John Cornyn, and Sen. Ted Cruz will join the visit
First lady Melania Trump is accompanying the president
Trump avoided comments about his plan to eliminate FEMA, despite past promises
He also addressed Brazil tariffs and criticized the treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro
Stay with Newsweek for the latest.
01:02 PM EDT
Trump visits Kerrville as search continues for flood victims
As President Donald Trump tours Kerrville to survey flood damage, search and rescue teams remain on the ground, combing through debris in Central Texas. More than 100 people are still missing following the catastrophic July 4 floods, which have already claimed at least 120 lives.
Among the responders are Nevada Task Force One and Orange County Task Force One, working alongside local crews to locate victims in the hardest-hit areas. Officials warn the death toll is likely to rise as recovery efforts continue amid challenging conditions and renewed rain threats.
12:46 PM EDT
Mercy Chefs founder brings comfort food to Texas flood zone
Within 36 hours of the deadly floods in Central Texas, Mercy Chefs founder Gary LeBlanc arrived on the ground to do what he’s known for—serve hot, high-quality meals to those in crisis. Disheartened by the food typically offered during disasters, LeBlanc launched the faith-based nonprofit after Hurricane Katrina with a simple mission: “just go feed people.”
In Kerr County, his team began by feeding search and rescue crews who hadn’t had a hot meal in days. LeBlanc told CNN the devastation was among the worst he’s seen in nearly two decades of relief work, and vowed to stay as long as needed.
12:33 PM EDT
House Democrats demand answers on federal response to Texas flooding
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are pressing for documents and communications related to the federal response to the deadly Texas floods, citing concerns about preparedness and agency leadership.
Led by Rep. Robert Garcia of California and Texas Reps. Greg Casar and Jasmine Crockett, the inquiry targets FEMA and NOAA, questioning whether recent policy shifts under DHS Secretary Kristi Noem hindered emergency efforts.
Lawmakers also flagged failures in early warning systems and requested records from the Commerce Department’s inspector general to assess potential breakdowns in public alerts.
12:18 PM EDT
Texas legislature forms joint committees to investigate deadly flooding
Texas lawmakers have created two joint committees to address the catastrophic July 4 flooding during the upcoming special legislative session. Lt. Gov.
Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced the Disaster Preparedness and Flooding committees will hold their first hearing on July 23 in Austin, followed by a second session in Kerrville to hear directly from affected residents.
The panels will examine flood warning systems, emergency communications, and disaster relief funding. Gov. Greg Abbott’s 30-day special session begins July 21 and includes a broad agenda, with flood recovery taking top priority.
12:04 PM EDT
Kerr County flood relief fund tops $30 million, first grants announced
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has raised over $30 million for flood recovery efforts in Kerr County, Texas, following the devastating July 4 storms.
At a press conference Friday, the foundation announced it will begin distributing $5 million in emergency grants to local nonprofits, businesses, and crisis response teams actively serving affected communities.
Major donors include H-E-B, James Avery Artisan Jewelry, and other prominent Texas-based companies. Foundation CEO Austin Dickson called the response “extraordinary,” emphasizing that the funding marks only the beginning of a long-term recovery plan.
11:50 AM EDT
Salvation Army urges cash donations as Texas floods overwhelm relief centers
The Salvation Army is urging financial donations as the most effective way to support flood relief efforts in Central Texas, where devastating July 4 floods have overwhelmed communities like Kerrville, San Angelo, and Ingram.
With local warehouses at capacity, officials are asking the public to pause in-kind donations. The Kerrville Corps is serving as the Volunteer Reception Center, coordinating intake and support services alongside the Texas Department of Emergency Management.
Disaster response experts are available for interviews to share updates and highlight the organization’s focus on emotional and spiritual care for survivors and first responders.
As of today, the Salvation Army is serving at multiple locations and have provided, a spokesperson shared with Newsweek:
5,934 meals
27,691 snacks
33,972 drinks
998 cleanup kits
1,438 comfort/hygiene kids
1,229 clothing items
943 cases of water
1,086 emotional & spiritual care contacts
11:35 AM EDT
Sessions joins Trump in Texas as flood response faces scrutiny
U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, will accompany President Donald Trump on Friday as he surveys flood damage in central Texas, where more than 120 people have died and over 170 remain missing. The visit comes amid growing questions about the speed and coordination of local and federal disaster response efforts.
Sessions defended the administration’s actions, telling CNN that Trump “is here for the right reasons” and praised Gov. Greg Abbott’s swift coordination with federal agencies, including helicopter support. Trump and first lady Melania are expected to meet with first responders, receive briefings from local officials, and speak with families affected by the disaster. The White House says the trip is structured to avoid disrupting ongoing rescue and recovery operations.
11:19 AM EDT
Texas launches emotional support line for flood survivors
Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at a news conference on July 08, 2025 in Hunt, Texas.
Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at a news conference on July 08, 2025 in Hunt, Texas.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has announced the launch of the Texas Flooding Emotional Support Line, a free 24/7 crisis counseling service for residents impacted by the recent catastrophic floods.
The initiative, led by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, aims to provide emotional support and recovery guidance to survivors, families, and first responders.
Abbott said the service would help Texans “heal and recover” from the disaster’s lasting emotional toll. Trained professionals are available around the clock at 833-812-2480, offering confidential support and assistance with disaster recovery options.
10:59 AM EDT
Guadalupe River tragedy claims Camp Mystic director, exposes flood risks
Dick Eastland, longtime director of Camp Mystic in central Texas, died while trying to rescue campers during catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River. The disaster claimed 27 lives at the camp and renewed scrutiny of flood preparedness in the region. Eastland had long warned of the river’s dangers and helped install a flood warning system after a deadly 1987 incident, but that system was shut down in 1999 due to reliability issues.
Despite efforts to modernize flood alerts, proposals for sirens and updated gauges stalled amid budget constraints and limited state support, CNN reported. Camp Mystic’s most vulnerable cabins remained in high-risk flood zones, even as new structures were built in safer areas. Experts say the camp missed opportunities to relocate or repurpose older buildings flagged in federal flood maps.
Eastland, remembered as a beloved figure and community leader, had returned to the local river authority board in 2022 and was helping develop a new flood monitoring dashboard. His death has prompted calls to refocus on long-delayed safety upgrades. Survivors and former campers praised his legacy, describing him as a hero whose final act was one of selfless courage.
10:44 AM EDT
WATCH: Trump speaks to press ahead of boarding Air Force One with course to Texas
Trump spoke to the press before he departed for the Texas flooding zone.
“So we’re going to Texas. Some of you are coming with us, and it’s a horrible thing. A horrible thing,” he said. ” Nobody can even believe that. Such a thing. That much water that fast without a dam break. You think a dam would have to break to have it? A terrible thing. But, we’re going to be there with some of the great families and others. The governor, everybody is going to be there.”