Live updates: Trump to survey Texas flood devastation
NBC17 hrs
Trump Tours Texas Flood Zone
Above: President Trump, first lady Melania Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott survey flood damage in Kerrville, Texas, on July 11, 2025. Image copyright: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
President Trump's response to the Texas floods shows real leadership in action. The administration delivered federal aid faster than any previous administration, with the Coast Guard deployed immediately and disaster declarations signed within days. State officials are praising the swift, coordinated response that puts local leaders in charge while providing necessary federal support.
Democratic narrative
Trump's hostile reaction to legitimate questions about the disaster response reveals his inability to handle accountability. Rather than addressing concerns about delayed warnings that may have cost lives, he attacked reporters and surrounded himself with sycophants who only offered praise instead of honest assessment. Now, after a disaster, he's suddenly realizing the value of FEMA — too little, too late.