Texas Flood Relief Efforts: A Community and Corporate Response Amidst Leavitt’s Advocacy

The catastrophic flash floods that struck Central Texas on July 4, 2025, have left an indelible mark on the state, claiming over 120 lives, including 36 children, and leaving 161 people missing in Kerr County alone. The Guadalupe River, surging 26 feet in under an hour, devastated communities like Kerrville, Hunt, and Ingram, with Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ summer camp, losing 27 campers and counselors. Amid this tragedy, a wave of support has emerged, with corporations, nonprofits, and individuals rallying to aid victims and support search and rescue operations. While White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has been vocal in defending the administration’s response, no evidence supports claims of her personally donating $50 million or traveling to the disaster site. Instead, her role has been to counter criticism and highlight federal efforts, as verified contributions from organizations and celebrities pour in to aid Texas.

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s Kerr County Flood Relief Fund has been a cornerstone of the response, distributing $5 million in initial grants to 20 nonprofits for rescue, relief, and recovery. Major corporations have stepped up, with AT&T and Bank of America each donating $1 million, Wells Fargo contributing $1 million, and Boeing pledging $200,000 to the Salvation Army and the Kerr County Fund. The NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans collectively donated $1.5 million, while the Houston Astros added $1 million. Shakira, performing in San Antonio on July 5, dedicated a portion of her concert proceeds to Catholic Charities, emphasizing the global reach of the tragedy. These contributions are funding critical needs like food, water, medical supplies, and shelter, with groups like the Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, and Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR) leading on-the-ground efforts.

Karoline Leavitt, as White House Press Secretary, has been a prominent voice in the administration’s response, announcing President Trump’s visit to Kerr County on July 11, 2025, to meet with Governor Greg Abbott and assess the damage. She fiercely defended the National Weather Service (NWS), refuting claims that Trump’s budget cuts to federal agencies like NOAA and FEMA contributed to the high death toll, calling such accusations a “depraved lie.” Leavitt emphasized that the NWS issued flood warnings on July 3 and early July 4, though critics, including Senator Chuck Schumer, questioned their timing and adequacy due to understaffing concerns. Her statements, delivered during a July 7 press briefing, underscored the administration’s commitment to supporting Texas, with Trump signing a major disaster declaration for Kerr County. However, social media posts claiming Leavitt personally donated $50 million or engaged in hands-on rescue work are baseless, echoing debunked rumors about figures like Rachel Maddow and Jasmine Crockett.

The real heroes of the response include first responders and volunteers, with 13,000 individuals aiding recovery efforts despite ongoing rain complicating searches. TEXSAR deployed swiftwater rescue teams, drones, and search dogs, while Austin Pets Alive! rescued over 150 animals from flooded areas. Volunteers like Reagan Brown’s parents, who saved their 92-year-old neighbor from an attic in Hunt, and Jesús Gomez from Acuña, Mexico, who recovered victims’ remains, exemplify the community’s resilience. Governor Abbott’s crisis support line (833-812-2480) and Airbnb.org’s free housing for first responders further bolster recovery.

The tragedy has also highlighted the dangers of misinformation, with AI-generated images and false claims about celebrity donations spreading on social media. Experts urge donors to verify charities through platforms like Charity Navigator, emphasizing monetary contributions over physical goods to avoid logistical challenges. As Texas faces more rain and a rising death toll, the focus remains on finding the missing and rebuilding communities. Manchester United’s reported $50 million donation, though unverified in these sources, reflects the scale of global support, while Leavitt’s advocacy ensures federal attention. This collective effort, from Kerrville’s churches to international donors, is a beacon of hope, proving that even in the face of unimaginable loss, unity can drive recovery.