White House Asks Americans to Pray After Deadly Texas Flooding

The White House’s Faith Office issued a statement on Monday morning calling for prayers.

Houses and cars are partially submerged in flood waters in an aerial view near Kerrville, Texas, on July 4, 2025. U.S. Coast Guard/Handout via Reuters

The White House asked Americans to pray amid flooding in Texas over the July 4 holiday weekend that left more than 80 people dead, including children who attended a Christian camp.

The White House’s Faith Office said in a statement on Monday morning that it is asking people “to join us in prayer for the precious lives lost in the Texas floods,” adding that “amidst this tragedy, our nation must come together to pray for the victims, their families, and the first responders conducting rescue missions to find those still missing.”

“May God wrap his loving arms around all those in Texas,” the statement continued before quoting the Bible’s Psalm 34:18.

It comes as flash floods in Texas killed at least 82 people over the weekend, while others are still missing, including girls attending a summer camp. The devastation along the Guadalupe River, outside of San Antonio, has drawn a massive search effort as officials face questions over their preparedness and the speed of their initial actions.

After a flood watch notice midday Thursday, the National Weather Service issued an urgent warning around 4 a.m. that raised the potential of catastrophic damage and a severe threat to human life. By 5:20 a.m., some in the Kerrville City area say water levels were getting alarmingly high. The massive rain flowing down hills sent rushing water into the Guadalupe River, causing it to rise 26 feet in just 45 minutes.

Gov. Greg Abbott said Sunday that there were 41 people confirmed to be unaccounted for across the state and that more could be missing.

In Kerr County, home to youth camps in the Texas Hill Country, searchers have found the bodies of 68 people, including 28 children, Sheriff Larry Leitha said Sunday afternoon. Fatalities in nearby counties brought the total number of deaths to 79 as of Sunday evening.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, who lives along the Guadalupe River, said Saturday that “ nobody saw this coming.” Various officials have referred to it as a “100-year-flood,” meaning that the water levels were highly unlikely based on the historical record.

On Sunday, Trump issued a statement on social media saying that he signed a major disaster declaration for Texas due to the floods, while the Department of Homeland Security confirmed it is sending the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for recovery efforts.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that he had “just signed” the declaration for Kerr County to make sure that first responders “immediately have the resources they need” to respond.

“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!” Trump added.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who also suggested that people “pray for the victims,” said in a statement that FEMA is being deployed to Texas to respond to the flooding

“Thank you, President Trump,” she wrote. “We are currently deploying [FEMA] resources to Texas first responders, and will work closely with state and local authorities to ensure the people of Texas get the support they need as search efforts continue and recovery begins.”

On Monday, the National Weather Service issued flood watches and warnings for central Texas, including Kerr County, to expected heavy rains. Flash flood warnings were also issued for portions of the area.

Trump wrote that the White House Faith Office established in February would “assist faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship in their efforts to strengthen American families, promote work and self-sufficiency, and protect religious liberty.”

The office is headed by Paula White, who serves as a special adviser and special government employee. White was a senior pastor at the New Destiny Christian Center, in Apopka, Florida, before joining the administration.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.