President Donald Trump toured the devastation from catastrophic flooding in Texas and lauded local officials amid mounting criticism that they failed to warn residents quickly enough that a deadly wall of water was coming their way.

Kristi Noem detailed how the federal government deployed resources and funds to Texas flood victims, signaling fundamental changes to FEMA under the Trump administration.

"It’s hard to believe the devastation," Trump said. "Trees that are 100 years old just ripped out of the ground. I've never seen anything like this, and I've seen a lot of bad ones."

"The first lady and I are here in Texas to express the love and support and the anguish of our entire nation in the aftermath of this really horrific and deadly flood," Trump said as he spoke at a roundtable event with first responders and local officials.

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited Central Texas Friday to survey the devastation wrought by last week's deadly flooding.

By Trevor Hunnicutt and Maria Alejandra CardonaKERRVILLE, Texas (Reuters) -President Donald Trump defended the state and federal response to deadly flash flooding in Texas on Friday as he visited the stricken Hill Country region,

First lady Melania Trump joined President Donald Trump to visit victims of the Texas floods Friday, July 11.

Mr. Trump and Abbott promised to rebuild the devastated region, although the president recognized that what was lost can never be recovered.

President Donald Trump spoke with first responders and officials in central Texas today after meeting with grieving families and surveying damage from the catastrophic floods that killed at least 129 people.

First Lady Melania Trump paid tribute to victims of the Texas floods by wearing a charm bracelet gifted by a family.