During a recent roundtable discussion, former President Donald Trump delivered a heartfelt address regarding the devastating flooding that took place along the Guadalupe River. Straying from his prepared notes, Trump emphasized the profound tragedy of the situation, stating, “Americans’ hearts are shattered.” His remarks highlighted the loss of life, as he mourned the “beautiful souls” who lost their lives when the river surged more than 20 feet within just 95 minutes. “I’ve never seen anything like it…a little narrow river that becomes a monster,” he expressed, illustrating the sudden and catastrophic nature of the flooding.
When pressed by a reporter to address the criticism surrounding the government's response to the disaster and the failure to issue timely warnings to victims, Trump became defensive. He expressed his admiration for the first responders, stating, “Everyone did an incredible job under the circumstances.” Trump further criticized the reporter's question, asserting, “Only a bad person would ask a question like that.” He emphasized the heroism displayed during this tragic event, framing the narrative around the bravery of those who responded to the crisis.
In response to the flooding, Rep. Chip Roy, the Republican congressman representing Kerrville, has called for significant improvements to disaster warning systems. However, he echoed Trump’s sentiments, criticizing the reporter who inquired about the scrutiny over the government's handling of the situation. “When you see 26 feet of water rising a foot a minute, don’t go around pointing fingers,” Roy remarked, reinforcing the notion that accountability should be considered in context.
Trump also took the opportunity to critique the Democratic Party, claiming they have had “an incredible run of bad talent.” While he expressed a desire for bipartisanship, he lamented that “all Democrats want to do is criticize.” In a familiar talking point, Trump continued to assert that the United States was “dead” under the administration of former President Joe Biden but has since become “the hottest country.” His comments reflect a recurring theme in his rhetoric, linking political narratives to natural disasters.
As the discussion concluded, Texas Governor Greg Abbott praised Trump for what he described as “the fastest disaster response that I’m aware of.” Trump, who has historically politicized natural disasters both as president and as a civilian, suggested that other presidents might not have made the effort to visit Texas after such a tragedy. This statement contrasts sharply with the actions of his recent predecessors, all of whom have made similar trips to provide support following disasters.
“Nobody else would do it, nobody else would even get back to you,” Trump stated, alluding to his strong support in Texas. “I don’t want to say politics, but politically it’s been a very special place to me.” His remarks encapsulate the intertwining of politics and disaster response, as he continues to leverage such events to bolster his political narrative.
