The president has defended his administration's response to the fatal flooding amid criticism that federal assistance could have been provided more quickly.

Mr. Trump and Melania Trump met with victims’ families and viewed some of the aftermath of last weekend’s flooding.

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.'

Texas State House Minority Leader Gene Wu joins The Lead

The president met with state and local officials, who praised the White House response, and lashed out at a question on whether aid and rescue efforts occurred fast enough.

Joined by First Lady Melania Trump and officials, Trump surveyed devastation and met with victims' families and emergency responders.

Texas Rangers have identified Kellyanne Elizabeth Lytal, 8, as a victim of Camp Mystic after 27 girls went missing after the Guadalupe River flooded the Christian retreat.

Hammond got his window down and he and his wife escaped through the front of the car. Malaya had the harder task of getting the minivan’s back door open as the water quickly rose, her father said. “Miraculously, she got it open in time," he said, and Malaya helped her siblings and the friend escape, sending them all into the rushing waters.