On July 8, 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that President Donald Trump would personally cover funeral expenses and provide compensation for emotional and financial damages to families affected by the devastating flash floods in central Texas. The floods, which struck over the Fourth of July weekend, claimed at least 91 lives, including 27 girls and counselors from Camp Mystic in Kerr County, and left dozens missing. The announcement came during a White House briefing where Leavitt also defended the administration against accusations of responsibility for the tragedy, calling such claims “depraved lies.” The move to fund funerals and offer compensation reflects Trump’s effort to support grieving communities while countering criticism over federal agency cuts.
Leavitt detailed that Trump, in coordination with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, would ensure that families of the deceased receive financial assistance to cover burial costs and address the profound losses incurred. “President Trump is heartbroken for the families, especially the parents who lost their children,” Leavitt said, noting that Trump plans to visit Texas on Friday to meet with victims and local officials. The floods, triggered by a slow-moving storm system dumping unprecedented rainfall, overwhelmed the Guadalupe River, turning areas like Texas Hill Country into what locals call “flash flood alley.” The Department of Homeland Security reported ongoing search and rescue efforts, with the death toll expected to rise as more rain threatens the region.
The decision to provide financial aid follows intense scrutiny of the Trump administration’s staffing reductions at the National Weather Service (NWS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Critics, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have questioned whether vacancies in NWS offices in San Angelo and San Antonio contributed to inadequate warnings, though Leavitt insisted the agency issued timely alerts with up to three-hour lead times. “The NWS did its job despite unprecedented rainfall,” she stated, emphasizing that the San Angelo office was fully staffed and San Antonio had 11 forecasters on duty. Posts on X have shown mixed reactions, with some praising Trump’s compassion and others arguing the aid does not address systemic issues like underfunded weather services.
The compensation plan has sparked debate, with supporters viewing it as a generous gesture and detractors calling it a political move to deflect blame. The administration has not disclosed the total amount of aid, but sources indicate it will cover funeral costs for all identified victims and provide additional support for emotional distress, particularly for families like that of Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, second-graders who perished at Camp Mystic. Governor Abbott praised Trump’s initiative, stating, “This is leadership that Texas needs.” Meanwhile, local officials in Kerr County, where a lack of flood warning systems exacerbated the tragedy, face growing pressure to improve infrastructure. As recovery efforts continue, Trump’s pledge aims to offer immediate relief while fueling discussions about federal priorities in disaster preparedness.
