President Donald Trump has approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, following devastating flash floods that have claimed the lives of at least 59 people, including 21 children.
The move enables the rapid deployment of federal assistance and emergency resources to the hardest-hit regions.
“These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy,” Trump says
In a new post on Truth Social, Trump addressed the growing death toll, saying:
“These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing.”
He confirmed that the declaration will unlock critical federal support for over 400 first responders working across flood-damaged areas in central Texas, particularly around the Guadalupe River, where waters rose nearly 30 feet in hours, overwhelming summer camps and rural communities.
A Timeline of Support
Trump’s federal response follows days of public and private engagement with state leaders. During a media interaction aboard Air Force One, shortly after the initial floods struck, Trump described the scenes as:
“Terrible… It’s startling. They don’t know the answer yet as to how many people [were lost], but it looks like some young people have died.”
He pledged immediate assistance, telling reporters:
“Oh yeah, we’ll take care of them. We’re working with the governor. It’s a terrible thing.”
On Saturday, July 6, he reaffirmed the administration’s coordination efforts, writing:
“The Trump Administration is working with State and Local Officials on the ground in Texas in response to the tragic flooding… Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!”
Coordination With Texas Leaders
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, currently acting as governor, confirmed ongoing coordination with federal agencies and the White House. He noted that President Trump’s team had been in regular contact since the early hours of the disaster.
“The president sent the message, ‘Whatever we need, we will have,’” Patrick said Friday.
More than 850 people have been rescued, and search teams are still looking for 12 individuals connected to Camp Mystic, 11 campers and one counselor, who remain unaccounted for.
FEMA and Homeland Security on the Ground
Trump also confirmed that FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, led by Kristi Noem, are working closely with Texas emergency teams to accelerate aid distribution and bolster rescue efforts.
“The U.S. Coast Guard is punching through storms to evacuate Americans from central Texas,” Noem posted.
Looking Ahead
With rain still in the forecast and flash flood warnings ongoing, the federal disaster declaration is expected to streamline resource allocation as families wait for news of their loved ones.
For many, Trump’s quick approval of federal assistance and repeated expressions of solidarity have offered reassurance.
“We will not stop until every single person is found,” said Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, echoing Trump’s emphasis on full federal support.
