President Donald J. Trump is taking decisive action in response to the devastating flash floods that have ravaged Central Texas, claiming at least 80 lives and leaving countless more missing.

In a bold show of leadership, President Trump announced that his administration is working “hand-in-hand” with Texas state and local officials to support rescue and recovery efforts. He also confirmed that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is en route to the flood zone to assist personally.

“The Trump Administration is working with State and Local Officials on the ground in Texas in response to the tragic flooding that took place yesterday,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Our Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, will be there shortly. Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS.”

Trump told reporters Sunday that he intends to visit Texas himself on Friday, saying, “I would have done it today, but we’d just be in their way.” His visit will bring much-needed attention to the region’s recovery efforts and underscore the federal government’s commitment to the affected families.

While other former presidents expressed condolences, it was Trump who took immediate action. Barack Obama offered prayers, calling the flooding “absolutely heartbreaking.” George W. Bush, a Texas native, also weighed in, saying he and Laura were “heartbroken by the loss of life.”

But amid the tragedy, a true American hero emerged.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, a 26-year-old U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer from New Jersey, is being hailed nationwide for saving more than 200 flood victims, including 165 people from a single triage site—a heroic feat during his first-ever rescue mission.

Homeland Security Secretary Noem praised Ruskan’s bravery in a powerful post to social media:

“United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and Petty Officer Scott Ruskin (Ruskan), directly saved an astonishing 165 victims in the devastating flooding in central Texas. This was the first rescue mission of his career and he was the only triage coordinator at the scene. Scott Ruskin is an American hero. His selfless courage embodies the spirit and mission of the @USCG.”

Ruskan shared details of the high-stakes operation on Fox & Friends, saying his team spotted a massive group of children stranded at Camp Mystic and prioritized the evacuation.

“We probably got about 200 people out of there alone,” Ruskan said. “We just saw a huge crowd, about 200 kids at a campsite. So we’re like, cool—that’s where we’re gonna go, and we’re just gonna get as many people out as we can until they’re all gone.”

As Texas mourns, President Trump’s swift action, combined with the unwavering courage of America’s military and emergency responders, reminds the nation what real leadership and service look like in times of crisis.