Governor Greg Abbott has updated his disaster declaration to include 26 counties in Texas, added FEMA to the Public Assistance program for three additional counties, and directed the state's ongoing flood response and recovery efforts.

Just weeks ago, President Donald Trump said he wanted to begin “phasing out” the Federal Emergency Management Agency after this hurricane season to “wean off of FEMA” and “bring it down to the state level.

Rachel Maddow introduces viewers to the unfamiliar image of Donald Trump's pick to lead FEMA, David Richardson, who finally made an appearance in Texas more than a week after flooding killed scores of people.

The first State Flood Plan, published last year, identified $54 billion in flood mitigation, warning and data needs. The state has awarded around $660 million since the plan was published, with a special legislative session coming.

A large percentage of people still unaccounted for were probably visiting the area, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said.

U.S. President Donald Trump actually sent 700 U.S. Marine Corps troops to Los Angeles in June 2025 — alongside 4,000 National Guard troops.

Texas Governor Abbott has secured federal disaster aid for five more counties after floods, enabling FEMA assistance for emergency work and infrastructure repair.

A flood watch is in effect into July 15 for more than a dozen counties as saturated ground gets drenched again.