During his State of the Union address, President Trump shared the story of a heroic flood rescue in Texas and facilitated a reunion between an 11-year-old girl and the Coast Guard swimmer who saved her.
In a moving segment of his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump recounted the harrowing rescue of 11-year-old Milly Cate McClymond from the Texas floods that devastated the region in July 2025. The flooding, which hit during Independence Day celebrations, resulted in the loss of 135 lives, including that of 27 young girls and their counselors from a nearby summer camp. Trump stated that Milly had almost given in to despair as she prayed amidst the rushing waters, only to have her life saved by Coast Guard swimmer Scott Ruskan, whose heroic actions during the disaster were recognized nationwide.
Scott Ruskan, who served as the sole triage coordinator and was responsible for the rescue of 165 individuals, became a symbol of courage during the floods. The reunion at the State of the Union highlighted the personal stories of tragedy and triumph amidst the national disaster, emphasizing the strength of community and bravery under pressure. The president’s recount of this event not only served to honor those who lost their lives but also to inspire hope and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
The floods were one of the deadliest disasters in recent Texas history, prompting government discussions regarding emergency preparedness and response strategies. Trump's address aimed to draw attention to the ongoing need for enhanced disaster response measures and the importance of community heroes like Ruskan, marking a poignant moment at a time when disaster preparedness remains critical in the face of increasing climate-related events. Trump's narrative also serves to humanize the impacts of policies related to climate change and disaster management, impacting the national conversation on these pressing issues.
