President Trump has not talked about eliminating FEMA as the emergency response agency helps with recovery efforts from the Texas floods.

The Department of Homeland Security secretary defended the federal government's response and denied that policy changes slowed the agency's deployment.

Rachel Maddow introduces viewers to the unfamiliar image of Donald Trump's pick to lead FEMA, David Richardson, who finally made an appearance in Texas more than a week after flooding killed scores of people.

In the wake of catastrophic flooding in Central Texas that left more than 125 people dead and dozens missing, federal and state officials have warned residents and donors about a surge in disaster-related scams designed to exploit vulnerable families and charitable givers.

Cuts made to the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Trump administration severely impaired its ability to respond to the devastating floods in central Texas.

The federal response to the flash flooding disaster in Texas has come under scrutiny. President Trump, who has called for cuts to FEMA, praised the agency during his recent visit to Texas, but did not comment on his plans for its future.

There are questions over why oversight was eased at Mystic Camp as it expanded in a hazardous floodplain, the AP reported.

Weeks before flash floods devastated the Texas Hill Country, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) participated in the first meeting of a new council to overhaul the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He criticized FEMA as “slow and clunky,” arguing that states are able to respond “more nimbly, more swiftly, more effectively” to disasters.

Many victims of the recent flooding did not have flood insurance when water washed away homes, cars and belongings.