Former President Donald Trump is facing backlash for remarks deemed insensitive and “disrespectful” following his visit to flood-ravaged central Texas. The devastating flash floods, triggered by record-breaking rainfall, have killed at least 129 people, with over 150 still missing. Homes, vehicles, and vacation cabins were swept away as the Guadalupe River surged to dangerous levels.

During a Fox News segment with his daughter-in-law Lara Trump, Trump was asked to share a message for grieving families. His response—“Maybe they should’ve had bells or something go off”—sparked outrage online. Critics condemned the comment as tone-deaf, particularly given the scale of the tragedy and the ongoing rescue efforts.

In a press conference in Kerrville, Trump attempted to convey the scale of the disaster by comparing the rising river to a giant wave in the Pacific Ocean. “This is like a giant, giant wave… that even the best surfers in the world would be afraid to surf,” he said. Social media users were baffled and angered by the comparison, with some saying the remarks minimized the suffering of victims.

Reactions online ranged from disgust to disbelief. One user wrote, “This makes me want to throw up,” while another criticized Trump for sounding like he was describing an amusement park ride rather than a fatal natural disaster. Others mocked his surfer analogy as wildly inappropriate.

In contrast, First Lady Melania Trump offered a more measured and compassionate statement, expressing heartfelt condolences to the grieving families. “We are grieving with you,” she said, offering solidarity amid national mourning.