Donald Trump met with Texas officials on Friday in Kerrville as he toured the damage from last week’s devastating flash flooding.
The president and First Lady Melania Trump shook hands with rescuers who responded to the disaster, which has killed at least 121 people and left more than 160 missing, one week later.
Among the dead were more than two dozen girls from a summer camp, Camp Mystic. Trump took an aerial tour of the flood-ravaged Guadalupe River region, accompanied by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Senator Ted Cruz, and other federal officials.
The visit comes as Texas lawmakers face growing scrutiny over the state’s flood warning systems.
During a roundtable with first responders and local officials, Trump said, “This is a tough one,” comparing the devastation and loss of life to the aftermath of hurricanes and tornadoes he has also seen as president.
A New York Times report revealed that county officials were repeatedly denied funding for an emergency flood warning system, despite telling FEMA in October that deadly flooding was “likely” to occur within a year.
How a handful of Republicans learned to stop worrying and love the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ after switching their votes
Eric Garcia writes:
But in the week since the House of Representatives passed it, many of those Republican Senators who previously voiced objections about the bill have changed their tune.
And some Republicans tell The Independent that they want to do another bill under the same method used to pass the last one.
Continue reading…
‘Trump has become the deep state!’
MAGA world remains in a state of chaos over the Trump administration’s Jeffrey Epstein memo, if the events of Friday are any indication.
While the FBI’s deputy director was taking a mental health day and considering resigning amid the continued fallout over the handling of the Epstein files, Steve Bannon got an earful from attendees at a MAGA youth event who declared that Donald Trump “has become the deep state” because he is “covering up for pedophiles.”
Justin Baragona reports.
Texas flood before-and-after pictures show devastating toll of catastrophe
Search and rescue efforts are expected to continue for several weeks, said Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell.
Katie Hawkinson reports.
Texas officials share photos of state response to disaster floods
The Texas Department of Public Safety shared photos of the state’s response to the disastrous floods that hit Central Texas a week ago.
“We remain committed to helping for however long it takes,” the department said.
At least 121 people have died in the floods, and more than 160 people remain missing.
In pictures: Trump hosts roundtable with Texas flood first responders
Over 12,000 volunteers sign up to help Central Texas devastated by floods
More than 12,3000 volunteers have signed up to help Central Texas after flash floods on July 4 devastated communities along the Guadalupe River.
At least 121 people have died in the floods, and more than 160 are still missing.
Comedian Andrew Schulz turns on Trump
Comedian Andrew Schulz has admitted to feeling disillusioned with President Donald Trump, saying he’s doing “the exact opposite of everything I voted for.”
On Thursday’s episode of his Flagrant podcast, the 41-year-old stand-up comic aired his frustrations with the current administration.
Inga Parkel has the story.
Dennis Quaid shares update on 17-year-old daughter working at Texas camp during floods
The 71-year-old actor told Fox News Digital on Friday that Zoe’s camp is located many miles north of Kerrville, Texas, which was hit by catastrophic flooding of the Guadalupe River.
Amber Raiken reports.
Trump concludes remarks at first responder roundtable
President Donald Trump veered toward self-congratulation during an event to mark the response to last week’s deadly flash floods in central Texas.
He claimed that under him, the U.S. is now “the hottest nation in the world.”
Trump further said: “We’ll be helping you from Washington, D.C., like no other president would do. Nobody else. Nobody else would do it. Nobody else would even get back to you. You’re fully funded, as you know … the state of Texas, they do it right.”
Source: independent.co.uk