Trump, Texas Leaders Visit Kerrville After Devastating Flood

President Trump Expresses Grief Over Flooding Tragedy in Kerrville

During a roundtable discussion with state and city leaders in Kerrville, President Donald Trump expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life caused by the recent flooding. “Dozens and dozens of precious children taken from us. It’s terrible,” he said during a news conference. The president described the situation as unprecedented, noting that a small river had turned into a destructive force. “I had never seen anything like it. A little narrow river that becomes a monster.”

Melania Trump also participated in the roundtable, offering her condolences to the families who had lost loved ones. “My deepest sympathy to all of the parents who lost beautiful young souls. We are grieving with you, our nation is grieving with you,” she said. She mentioned receiving a bracelet from a girls’ summer camp that was severely affected by the floods, symbolizing the memory of the young girls who lost their lives.

Governor Abbott Highlights Resilience and Plans for Recovery

Texas Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the strength of Texans in the face of tragedy during the roundtable. “We are one team united, we are Texans. Fighting as Texans, we are going to rebuild not just Kerrville, Hunt, or Kerr County, but across the entire state, across regions. We are going to come together and fight together and ensure that we elevate even better,” Abbott stated. He highlighted the importance of unity and resilience, promising that Texas would emerge stronger from the disaster.

Abbott announced a special session of the legislature, which will begin on July 21. This session will address several key issues, including redistricting and the development of flood warning systems. The decision to call the special session comes in response to the devastating floods that killed over 100 people in Central Texas, particularly in the Hill Country and surrounding counties.

Redistricting and Flood Warning Systems on the Agenda

Redistricting has become a focal point of political debate, with reports suggesting that President Trump is encouraging Texas Republicans to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterms. With a slim majority in the U.S. House, any shift in representation could impact the balance of power. Republicans currently hold 25 out of 38 congressional seats in Texas, and some worry that redrawing maps could make their seats more vulnerable if the midterm environment favors Democrats.

In addition to redistricting, the special session will focus on improving flood warning systems and emergency communications in flood-prone areas. This follows the deadly floods that occurred over the July 4 weekend, which led to widespread destruction and loss of life.

Calls for Accountability and Improved Disaster Response

In the wake of the flooding, there are growing questions about how the response was handled. State Rep. Joe Moody, a Democrat from El Paso, called for long-term and immediate changes, including funding for outdoor warning sirens. “When we’re talking about short-term solutions, like these flood warning systems, those are things we can do right now,” Moody said.

State Rep. Drew Darby, a Republican from San Angelo, shared a letter he sent to Governor Abbott, urging the inclusion of House Bill 13 in the special session agenda. If passed, this bill would have developed a statewide strategic plan that included the use of outdoor warning sirens. Darby emphasized the need for a more robust alert system and coordinated recovery efforts.

Concerns About Emergency Alerts and Evacuation Preparedness

Audio recordings from the critical hours before the flood hit have raised concerns about the timing and effectiveness of emergency alerts. A volunteer firefighter requested a CodeRED notification to warn residents of the rising waters, but the request was delayed. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning at 1:14 a.m., and a flash flood emergency was declared at 4:03 a.m. However, it is still unclear when CodeRED alerts were actually sent.

Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring, Jr. mentioned that the only CodeRED notification he received was at 6 a.m., indicating a flash flood alert. Local officials have largely avoided answering questions about the timeline of alerts, leading to increased scrutiny.

Camp Mystic Inspections Show Compliance with Safety Standards

As calls for accountability continue, inspection reports show that Camp Mystic, where many of the victims were from, was in compliance with safety standards. The camp passed inspections conducted by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in 2023-2025, with no major deficiencies noted. The most recent inspection was conducted on July 2, just two days before the flood, and the camp was found to be in full compliance with emergency plans and safety protocols.

Despite the tragic event, the camp maintained its license through March 6 of the following year. DSHS confirmed that the camp met all required standards, including having emergency plans in place and ensuring staff and volunteers were trained.

How to Help Communities Affected by Flooding

State and local authorities urge the public to avoid affected areas unless they are assisting with official, organized groups. Self-deployed volunteers may hinder recovery efforts and put themselves at risk. They also advise against flying aircraft or drones into the area.

For those wishing to help, it is important to verify the legitimacy of charities and GoFundMe campaigns before donating. KXAN has created a webpage to honor the memories of those who lost their lives in the floods.

As the state continues to recover, the focus remains on rebuilding, improving emergency response systems, and ensuring that communities are better prepared for future disasters.