Trump slammed for new ‘disrespectful’ comments on Texas floods
After making a number of contentious and, in the opinion of many detractors, “disrespectful” statements while visiting flood-affected Texas, Donald Trump is coming under increasing fire. His words have provoked fury on social media and around the nation.
On Friday, July 11, the former president visited central Texas, a few days after the area was devastated by devastating flash floods.
As search and rescue efforts continue, the number of fatalities has increased to at least 129, and more than 150 people are still unaccounted for.
An unusual storm system that dumped more than a month’s worth of rain in a few of hours caused the flooding.
According to eyewitness reports, rivers, especially the Guadalupe River, swelled quickly, up to 26 feet in some places and even reportedly exceeding 30 feet.
Homes, cars, and even cabins full of family enjoying the Fourth of July vacation were washed away by the floodwaters.
Trump made a number of remarks during his visit to Kerrville, one of the most affected communities, that have drawn criticism for being tone deaf and even heartless considering the extent of human suffering.
He was invited to give a message to families who are mourning the loss of a loved one while he and his daughter-in-law Lara Trump appeared on My View on Fox News.
Trump stated, “There can be nothing worse, losing a child,” rather than expressing his sincere sorrow.
Perhaps they ought to have sounded bells or something.
However, considering how frequently they have experienced this issue, it’s really risky area.
The comment was quickly denounced online and by locals as being callous because it seemed to place the responsibility on the victims or local systems rather than recognize the disaster’s unusual character.
His tone of callousness and the absurd implication of warning bells in a scenario where there was little to no time for evacuation due to torrential rain were criticized.
Trump went on to use comparisons that left many surprised when he spoke to reporters at the scene afterward.
“The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in less than 45 minutes after a torrential downpour—the worst anyone has ever seen—and I even heard it went well over 30 feet,” he said.
In one report, someone claimed that it must have been sixty feet at one point.
Even the world’s top surfers would be scared to ride this enormous wave in the Pacific Ocean.
Online users widely mocked the attempt to draw a comparison between the tragic flooding and intense surfing conditions.
The previous president was charged by many with turning a national tragedy into a show or amusement park attraction.
“This makes me want to throw up,” one person commented on Twitter.
“Trump is out here talking about floods like they’re a Disneyland ride,” someone more said.
Families are being split up and people are drowning in the meanwhile.
His surfer analogy was mockingly repeated by others, who said: “Now I understand the devastation.”
Even the top surfers in the world wouldn’t attempt it.
Regards, Mr. President.
Trump has already come under fire for his comments regarding disaster response.
He has previously made news for downplaying the impact of wildfires and other natural catastrophes and for throwing paper towels to Puerto Rico storm victims.
Even as the criticism mounted, Trump seemed shocked by the damage.
He remarked, “I’ve never seen anything like it,” as he toured areas affected by flooding.
In a more somber and collected remark, his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, who accompanied him, said, “My deepest sympathy to all of the parents who lost beautiful young souls.”
We share your sorrow.
Our country shares your grief.
Meanwhile, emergency personnel and local authorities have continued to concentrate on recovery activities.
FEMA has sent out troops and resources to help with the search and recovery efforts, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott has proclaimed a state of emergency in the impacted counties.
This flooding event is one of the most severe in the state’s history, according to the National Weather Service, breaking rainfall records set in the 1990s.
Instead of providing consolation, Trump’s visit has sparked a fresh discussion about empathy, leadership, and the role of public figures during times of national catastrophe as Texas embarks on the drawn-out and agonizing process of recovery.
