Trump Pushes Back Against Criticism During Texas Flooding Visit
(MENAFN) U.S. President Donald Trump made a stop in central Texas on Friday, pushing back against ongoing criticism of his administration’s handling of the catastrophic flooding that claimed at least 121 lives and left over 150 people missing after the July 4 disaster.
The search operation continues, though no new survivors have been found since July 5, according to officials from Kerr County, one of the hardest-hit regions in central Texas.
More than 2,100 responders from local agencies, 20 U.S. states, and several federal organizations have been tirelessly working to locate survivors and aid in recovery efforts.
In a statement after touring the affected areas, Trump lauded the combined efforts of local, state, and federal authorities, calling their response to the crisis "incredible."
"We just were making a little tour of the area. It's hard to believe the devastation. Trees that are 100 years old, just ripped out of the ground. I've never seen anything like it. I've seen a lot of bad ones," Trump remarked.
At a roundtable event, the president continued: "This has been incredible, really, the job you've all done. I've gone to some real bad ones;" "I've never seen anything like this."
When asked about those who questioned the timing of early alerts ahead of the flood, Trump responded sharply, saying, "I don't know who you are, but only a very evil person would ask a question like that."
Trump also criticized Democrats who have condemned his administration's handling of the crisis and called for an investigation into the federal response. "All they want to do is criticize," Trump declared. "The public's wise to it."
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who accompanied the president, also commended the federal response, calling it "swift and effective."
Earlier this week, media reported that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer raised concerns about potential disruptions in weather forecasting, suggesting that staff cuts at the National Weather Service under the Trump administration may have hindered timely warnings about the severe rains and flash floods.
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