Kerrville, Texas – July 11, 2025
By the time former President Donald Trump’s motorcade pulled into Kerrville, the devastation from one of Texas’s deadliest flash floods in history had already etched itself into the lives of tens of thousands.
With at least 120 confirmed dead, hundreds still missing, and entire neighborhoods swallowed by water and mud, Trump’s arrival today came with mixed emotions—a blend of hope, frustration, and raw grief.
🛬 A Presidential Arrival Amid Wreckage
Trump landed in Texas early Friday morning and was immediately taken by helicopter to survey the hardest-hit areas of the Hill Country. Aerial images reveal flattened homes, washed-out bridges, and rescue teams still working around the clock.
What Trump Plans to Do:
- Survey damage zones from the air and ground.
- Meet with first responders and emergency crews.
- Speak to displaced families and local officials.
- Hold a brief press event addressing aid efforts and recovery plans.
His visit comes amid growing public pressure after a delayed federal response and controversial remarks made last week about “rebuilding with strength instead of weakness.”
💬 How the People of Texas Are Reacting
The reactions are deeply divided.
“I lost my 11-year-old son. I don’t want photo ops—I want help,” said Maria Estrada, whose home in Medina was ripped from its foundation.
Others expressed cautious optimism:
“At least he’s here. I don’t see anyone else trying to bring attention to our suffering,” said Tim Reynolds, a rancher who helped rescue neighbors from rising waters.
But a majority of Texans on the ground are desperate for real aid, not appearances.
📊 The Devastation by the Numbers
Metric | Total (as of July 11) |
---|---|
Confirmed Deaths | 120+ |
Missing Persons | 170+ |
Homes Destroyed | Over 7,500 |
People Displaced | Estimated 38,000+ |
Shelters at Capacity | 95% full |
Children Separated from Families | Over 300 cases reported |
⛺ Hunger, Displacement, and Aid
Residents in counties like Kerr, Bandera, and Gillespie say they’re still waiting for food, clean water, and medical attention—despite FEMA trucks arriving Wednesday.
What People Are Asking For:
- Portable showers and restrooms
- Infant formula and diapers
- Generators
- Pet food and shelter
- Medical supplies for seniors
One woman at a Kerrville shelter held up her phone, saying,
“This is how I applied for FEMA. No one answers. I have kids, we’re cold at night. Where is the help?”
🏛️ Federal Response: Too Little, Too Late?
Trump has expanded the major disaster declaration to include 8 additional counties today, unlocking temporary housing and small business relief.
But critics say the response is painfully slow.
“These people needed FEMA five days ago,” said a local EMT. “We’re burying children while Washington debates paperwork.”
Trump has now vowed to “cut red tape” and “get boots on the ground faster,” suggesting he will push for FEMA reform in the coming months.
🔎 Survivors Speak: “We’re Not Just Numbers”
Amid the chaos, miracles are emerging.
- A 9-year-old boy was rescued after 3 days clinging to a tree.
- A church in Fredericksburg opened its doors to over 300 evacuees, feeding them daily from its pantry.
- Volunteers from across the state are arriving with trailers of food, blankets, and medicine.
But as one pastor told us:
“Faith is strong, but our people are weak. We need help—real help.”
Final Thoughts: Will This Be a Turning Point?
Trump’s visit marks a moment of national attention—but whether that translates into action remains to be seen. For now, Texas grieves, waits, and rebuilds, one shattered home at a time.
✅ Call to Action:
If you wish to help, please consider donating directly to:
- Texas Flood Relief Network
- Catholic Charities of Central Texas
- Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN)
“The storm washed everything away, but we still have each other.”