Kerrville residents who turned out in force Friday to welcome President Donald Trump said his visit brought hope and comfort — and marked an important step in the town’s long road to healing and rebuilding.

"It’s hard to believe the devastation," Trump said. "Trees that are 100 years old just ripped out of the ground. I've never seen anything like this, and I've seen a lot of bad ones."

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