Trump holds roundtable in Kerr County following deadly flooding

President Donald Trump visited Kerrville on Friday to survey the devastation caused by catastrophic flooding that swept through Kerr County on July 4.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump met with local officials, first responders and families affected by the disaster.

The president received a briefing alongside Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz before touring the damage and attending a roundtable discussion with state and local leaders.

"This is a tough one," Trump said. "We were just making a little tour of the area, it's hard to believe the devastation.”

He said he visited with grieving families and described the scale of the disaster as unlike others he has seen.

“They’ve been devastated,” the president said. “They lost their child, or two children, and it’s just hard to believe.”

Trump said he and the first lady came to Kerrville to offer support to the community.

“We’re here to express the love and support and the anguish of our entire nation,” he said.

He also praised first responders and law enforcement for their work during rescue and recovery efforts.

“My administration is doing everything in its power to help Texas,” Trump said.

RESPONSE AND RECOVERY EFFORTS

Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, said more than 12,300 volunteers have supported recovery efforts, many working 10-hour days. He added that 19 states have sent resources to assist Texas.

Abbott credited the federal government’s response and emphasized long-term recovery efforts.

“We’re going to rebuild this community, from Hunt to Camp Mystic to Kerrville down below,” Abbott said. “We are committed for the long run, not just to rebuild, but to rebuild in a better way.”

He said a special legislative session scheduled for Monday, July 21, will focus on addressing challenges tied to the disaster.

TENSIONS

As the roundtable opened to questions, a CBS News reporter asked Trump whether earlier flood warnings could have saved more lives.

In the aftermath of the flooding, questions have emerged about warning systems and evacuation timing.

“Well, I think everybody did an incredible job under the circumstances,” Trump said. ”Only a bad person would ask a question like that, to be honest with you. I don’t know who you are. But only a very evil person would ask a question like that.”

Abbott again praised the federal response.

“We would not have been able to do that the way that we have had it not been for you, your commitment to Texas," Abbott said. "I know you love Texas, and Texas loves you. We appreciate you showing up, and because of your swift and effective response we are better positioned to deliver on all those commitments than ever before."

This article was originally published in in the July 12, 2025 edition of the Kerrville Daily Times.