In the deadliest natural disaster since the Trump administration's layoffs and buyouts at federal forecasting offices, Texas officials are praising the president and deflecting questions about the possible effect of the cuts.

The president also confirmed that he plans to visit Texas to tour the devastation on Friday with First Lady Melania Trump.

President Trump said he would visit Texas on July 11 as the state reels after more than 100 people have been confirmed dead in devastating flooding.