Trump Says 'I Can't Hear You' as Texas Flood Death Toll Climbs to 78

As Central Texas reels from catastrophic flash floods that have claimed 78 lives, President Donald Trump faced backlash Sunday for deflecting a reporter’s question about federal cuts to FEMA possibly contributing to the disaster.

When pressed by a reporter about Democrats’ claims that DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) cuts may have weakened FEMA’s response capabilities, Trump responded bluntly: “I can’t hear you,” then turned away. The exchange, caught on camera, quickly went viral online.

Critics on social media called out the president’s dismissive response, with one user writing, “His ears don’t hear truth.” Another added, “If you can’t hear, ask them to repeat. Instead, he moves on and avoids accountability. What a loser.”

Despite the growing death toll, Trump had not publicly addressed the tragedy until later in the day, when he finally signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County and shared a condolence message via Truth Social:

“These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing… Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!”

The hardest-hit area was Camp Mystic in Kerr County, where 68 bodies—including 28 children—have been recovered, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha. Ten additional deaths were confirmed across Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green, and Williamson counties.

Officials warned the toll could continue rising as heavy rain is forecast through Tuesday, threatening further flash flooding across the already saturated region.

Col. Freeman Martin of the Texas Department of Public Safety urged ongoing caution, and rescue efforts remained in full swing using helicopters, boats, and drones. Searchers vowed to continue until “everybody is found.”

So far, more than 850 people have been rescued since Friday morning, as rivers rose an astonishing 26 feet in just 45 minutes, sweeping away homes, cars, and campsites.

The President’s initial silence and now-viral response have only intensified scrutiny as Texas families mourn and brace for more severe weather.

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