President Donald Trump is touring the devastation left by flash flooding in central Texas amid growing questions about how local officials responded to the crisis as well as questions about the federal response -- including the fate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency -- that he has so far avoided.

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

At a press conference, his first significant public response to the tragedy, held a full week after the flood, Trump refused to address multiple facts implicating his administration and that of his MAGA ally Governor Abbott in the disaster.

At least 24 people were dead and many missing after torrential rains unleashed flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Texas.

The Trumps are expected to meet with local officials and first responders who are navigating the aftermath of flash floods that devastated the Central Texas community.

Just weeks ago, President Donald Trump said he wanted to begin “phasing out” the Federal Emergency Management Agency after this hurricane season to “wean off of FEMA” and “bring it down to the state level.