Trump Pledges FEMA Aid for Texas Hill Country Flooding Despite His Agency's Rejection: 'We'll Work That Out on Monday'

President Donald Trump pledged on Tuesday that he would provide more federal aid for flooding in the Texas Hill Country in July and August, despite the Federal Emergency Management Agency having rejected a state request, USA Today reported in its live coverage of the president's Texas swing. FEMA notified Gov. Greg Abbott in September that a request for aid had been denied for lack of severe enough damage. But Trump told the rally he would be providing flood aid. "We'll work that out on Monday," he said.

The denial the pledge answers is specific, and it is not a denial of everything. In a statement sent to FOX Local on Monday, FEMA explained that public assistance was approved by President Trump on September 1 - money that helps cover debris removal, rescue efforts and rebuilding damaged infrastructure in 19 counties. What it does not do is provide money to individuals who were impacted by the summer floods, which killed at least two people. FEMA said it follows the Stafford Act, which requires an evaluation of whether a governor's request rises to the level of needing federal help, weighing factors from the estimated cost of assistance and localized impacts to insurance coverage, uninsured home and personal property losses, and a state's fiscal capacity.

Texas has the right to appeal the decision, and FEMA said Abbott has been sent a letter outlining why the request was denied. Abbott's press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, said the governor's office is reviewing FEMA's determination and the appeals process. "Governor Abbott issued a state disaster declaration, extended SNAP replacement benefits, and requested federal tax relief for affected counties," Mahaleris said. "Texas will deliver every necessary resource to communities impacted by the July storms and floods." Kerr County was one of the hardest-hit areas, and Kerrville officials said they are "disappointed" by FEMA's decision and hopeful the appeal process will bring reconsideration. Tuesday's pledge now sits on top of that appeal track - what changes on Monday, as the president put it, is the next file.