DHS Secretary Kristi Noem took a firm stance against critics of the federal government’s response to the devastating floods in Texas, accusing Democrats of using the crisis as a political tool. During an appearance on ‘Fox News Sunday,’ Noem dismissed allegations that FEMA delayed aid, calling the criticisms ‘absolutely despicable.’ She argued that over 700 FEMA workers were deployed within hours of a call with Texas officials, emphasizing the agency’s swift response to the July Fourth floods that killed at least 129 people and left over 160 missing in Kerr County.
Noem claimed that the current FEMA response was the ‘fastest in history’ and contrasted it with the agency’s past performance under the Biden administration, stating it reflected the approach President Trump wanted. She also dismissed claims that FEMA employees were fired during the crisis, saying the allegations were a political ploy. ‘It’s a disservice not just to the people of Texas and these families that are going through grief right now, it’s a disservice to our country,’ Noem stated. In addition to FEMA, Noem criticized a federal judge’s temporary restraining order against ICE operations, calling it ‘ridiculous’ and vowing to appeal.
Her remarks reflect a broader partisan divide over disaster response and federal agency management. While Noem’s comments highlight the Trump administration’s policies, they also underscore the ongoing debates about the effectiveness and transparency of federal disaster relief efforts. As the search for missing persons continues, the political discourse over the flooding crisis remains a focal point in the national conversation about emergency management and government accountability.