Trump heads to Texas as recovery efforts from deadly flood continue

The president has defended his administration's response to the fatal flooding amid criticism that federal assistance could've been provided more quickly.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump will travel to Texas on Friday to meet with first responders and grieving families in the aftermath of last week's catastrophic flooding that has left more than 100 people dead.

During his visit, Trump is expected to receive a briefing from local elected officials and meet with victims' relatives. He will be joined by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn told reporters this week that they planned to travel with Trump to tour the flood damage. It is unclear whether state Attorney General Ken Paxton, a staunch ally of the administration who is challenging Cornyn in next year's GOP primary, will join them.

Authorities continue to search miles of the Guadalupe River for more than 150 people who remain missing as hopes of finding more survivors dwindle. Among those confirmed or feared dead are 27 children and counselors at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp in Hunt.

Trump on Sunday signed a major disaster declaration for Texas to make federal funding available for hard-hit Kerr County, where nearly 77% of voters backed him in the 2024 election.