Trump mocked for praising Dr Phil’s looks during Texas flood briefing: 'This isn't TV celebrity luncheon’

KERR COUNTY, TEXAS: President Donald Trump shifted his focus during a roundtable on Texas flooding victims when he spotted Dr Phillip McGraw in the audience.

The television personality, better known as Dr Phil, attended the event despite holding no official role in Trump's administration.

Donald Trump's casual exchange with Dr Phillip McGraw during flood briefing leaves viewers surprised

Donald Trump paused mid-briefing to greet Dr Phillip McGraw, drawing puzzled reactions online and sparking debate over the purpose of his appearance.

As officials discussed flood recovery efforts, Trump took an unexpected turn. “And beyond this area, the governor was saying, we’ve got a little bit beyond this area, oh, there’s Dr Phil,” Trump said during the briefing.

“Look at Dr Phil,” he continued. “You’re looking good, Phil. This is a hell of a situation, isn’t it?”

McGraw, present at the event, shifted the conversation toward the emotional toll of the disaster. Trump then asked him about the psychological effects the floods might have on affected communities.

Dr Phillip McGraw praises Donald Trump

Dr Phillip McGraw complimented Donald Trump’s visit, calling it meaningful.

“It’s so inspiring for you and the First Lady to come here and share this and see the fibers of these communities,” he said.

“That’s why they rally around you and everything that you stand for,” McGraw added. “From the border to the disasters. It’s not just a photo-op for you to be here."

He continued, “People see your heart and believe in what you stand for, and God bless you for coming here. It means a lot.”

Dr Phillip McGraw’s presence at Donald Trump's flood disaster briefing in Texas draws online backlash

The appearance confused many social media users, with several questioning Dr Phillip McGraw’s role.

“What does Phil have to do with any of this?” one person asked. Another wrote, “It is literally just a photo op for him.”

Criticism continued to mount. “Peak leadership: disaster tour meets daytime TV cameo,” someone commented. One user posted, “Dr Phil needs to tone down the hero worship a couple of notches.”

“He had to pay someone to tell him how great he was at his photo op,” read another reply.

“This isn’t a TV celebrity luncheon where pretty words earn applause. It’s a disaster zone where people need real help, not praise and photo ops,” wrote one more.

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