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President visits flood-hit Texas, pledges rapid federal aid; Gov. Greg Abbott and state leaders vow to rebuild
Summary
The president visited flood-affected Texas communities, praised first responders and said federal assistance was provided immediately; Gov. Greg Abbott and state officials pledged long-term rebuilding, announced emergency declarations and said they would pursue legislative and local hearings to address gaps revealed by the floods.
President Trump visited flood-affected communities in Texas and pledged sustained federal support while praising local first responders for rescue operations. "We get some good ones," the president said of FEMA and rescue teams, and he repeatedly praised the coordination between federal and state officials.
The visit brought together federal and state leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott and local officials, to assess immediate needs and pledge assistance. Gov. Greg Abbott told the crowd the administration had moved swiftly on a disaster request and said the major disaster declaration "ensures that we're gonna be able to more effectively, respond and help rebuild." Abbott also promised to "rebuild the Hunt store very quickly right here in Hunt, Texas."
Why it matters: officials said the scale of the response is large and multi-jurisdictional, with federal, state and volunteer resources used in rescue and recovery. Nim Kidd, praising local efforts, said the response included widespread deployments and that "these local first responders are the best in the nation." The scale cited at the event included over 400 first responders deployed, more than 1,500 rescues and, by officials' counts, more than 2,200 state response personnel and more than 12,300 volunteers supporting operations.
Officials described immediate steps and follow-up. The president said federal funding and support were provided within minutes of requests; Gov. Abbott announced a special legislative session beginning in 10 days to address the catastrophe and the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker pledged hearings in the affected area so residents would not have to travel to Austin. A senior official identified as Christie highlighted the role of FEMA and volunteers and said the Community Foundation of the Hill Country had raised more than $30 million and distributed $5 million in direct assistance to local people and first responders this week.
The visit included personal remarks and grief: the First Lady said, "My deepest sympathy to all of the parents who lost, beautiful young souls," and Dr. Phil urged ongoing community support, saying, "You never get over it. You get through it." Sen. Ted Cruz described Camp Mystic's losses, noting the camp was founded in 1926 and that rescue teams found 17 small crosses placed at the site to mark those who died.
Next steps: state officials said they will pursue legislative and hearing-level follow up, and federal and state agencies will continue search, recovery and debris removal efforts. The president closed the visit by saying affected communities would be supported from Washington and that leaders would work together to rebuild.
