Texas officials fight federal denial as Trump orders new flood aid release

A dispute over federal disaster funding has forced Texas officials to challenge the Federal Emergency Management Agency after it denied individual assistance for victims of July 2026 floods. The conflict centers on 20 of the 30 affected counties, including Kerr and Uvalde, where residents are currently relying on personal savings and nonprofit aid to repair homes and replace lost property.

President Donald Trump pledged to release more recovery funds on Tuesday during a campaign rally in Corpus Christi. He stated he made the decision at the request of Senator Ted Cruz and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who appeared on stage with him. Trump told the audience that the administration would work out the details on Monday.

Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, formally appealed FEMA’s denial the same day. The state’s appeal highlights that the floods damaged 2,944 residences and small businesses, including 132 structures that were destroyed and 618 with major damage. At least three people were confirmed dead. Kidd noted that hundreds of residents sought financial help from the American Red Cross while dealing with temporary housing costs and everyday living expenses.

FEMA had previously approved infrastructure repair costs for some local governments, a decision made more than six weeks after the flooding. However, the agency denied individual assistance, which covers temporary hotel stays, emergency home repairs, and replacement of personal items. This denial aligns with a trend under the current administration to shift primary emergency response responsibilities to state governments rather than the federal level.

The situation has drawn political criticism from both parties. Senator Roland Gutierrez, a Democrat from San Antonio, wrote to Governor Greg Abbott on Monday, stating that the denial was unacceptable and that Texans should not accept it without a fight. Meanwhile, Senator Cruz and Representative Chip Roy wrote to Trump on Tuesday, arguing that FEMA’s assessment did not reflect the resources needed for recovery.

Dondi Voigt Persyn, whose organization assisted survivors after the 2025 flash floods, said in a statement that denying federal assistance adds to the suffering of families still rebuilding. She emphasized that survivors should not carry this burden alone. The appeal also includes a request to restore Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds, which Kidd described as work that saves future costs and lives by preparing communities for the next disaster.

Cruz said he spoke with Trump while the president was on Air Force One. The state’s count of damage continues to rise as communities in the Hill Country, which is still recovering from a deadly flash flood a year earlier, work to stabilize their neighborhoods.