Trump, First Lady Witness Texas' Unbreakable Spirit

Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump traveled to Kerr County, Texas, in the aftermath of last weekend's catastrophic floods. The President and First Lady surveyed the devastation, met with community members and local officials, thanked heroic first responders, and pledged the Administration's ongoing support as the community recovers.

President Trump delivered remarks during a roundtable discussion with first responders and local, state, and federal officials:

• "As a nation, we mourn for every single life that was swept away in the flood and we pray for the families that were left behind. It's amazing - the incredible spirit from those families. I don't even know how they do it." Watch
• "The people here - first responders, the sheriff's office, all of police, law enforcement - they've done an unbelievable job." Watch
• "We just were making a little tour of the area. It's hard to believe the devastation - trees that were 100 years old just ripped out of the ground. I've never seen anything like this … We just visited with incredible families. They've been devastated." Watch
• "A lot of young angels at the girls' Christian summer camp known as Camp Mystic … They were there because they loved God - and as we grieve this unthinkable tragedy, we take comfort in the knowledge that God has welcomed those little beautiful girls into his comforting arms in heaven." Watch
• "My Administration is doing everything in its power to help Texas … We've deployed over 400 first responders and assisted or enabled more than 1,500 rescues … Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard have deployed numerous search and rescue crews." Watch
• "Two words: unity and competence, if you were to ask me two words that I've seen here … The way everyone has just pulled together. It's rare that you see this." Watch

Officials and members of the community praised the Trump Administration's response:

• Gov. Greg Abbott: "We cannot thank you enough for deploying the Coast Guard, deploying the resources … When I made a request for a disaster declaration, you and your Administration granted that. This is the fastest that I'm aware of - of any Administration responding."
• Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick: "You and Madam First Lady - the two of you being here sends a message. It paints a picture that words can't express, and it gives them hope … You and the federal government will help us get through everything - all the debris that has to be taken, all the rebuilding - and I know we can count on you. So, from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of all of these families, thank you."
• Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief W. Nim Kidd: "Your immediate declaration for individual assistance and public assistance will help us rebuild and recover … 19 other states have sent resources to us. Secretary Noem, thank you for the coordination and the effort on that. Your team has been phenomenal … Thank you for really great job you've done - and the coordination has been incredible."
• Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem: "What we are doing here, sir, is empowering the state and the local officials to make the best decisions for their people - because they know their people, they know their community… Thank you for being a President who trusts people."
• Rep. Chip Roy: "I can't thank you enough. When I called you on Friday, you said, 'whatever you need' … I've never seen such a quick response and such a focus on delivering for the people."
• Texas State Trooper: "I want to thank you, too, sir - because if we didn't have a secure border, we wouldn't have this many assets to move. I wanted to say that to you personally."
• Local resident: "This is devastating. It's horrible, but our President is here. He's supporting us. He's sending whatever support he can for us."