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7h ago

Critics Condemn Noem’s Flood Remarks as FEMA Downsizing Is Shelved

Her Fox News remark questioning how advance warnings failed to prevent mass casualties has drawn intense online backlash during ongoing search and rescue efforts.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, left, speaking as President Donald Trump, far right, listens during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, center, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, right, discuss the ongoing search and rescue efforts after recent flooding along the Guadalupe River during a press conference on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez)
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CORRECTS TO KERRVILLE, NOT INGRAM - Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, center, speaks with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, right, about ongoing search and rescue efforts after recent flooding along the Guadalupe River during a press conference on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez)

Overview

  • Flash floods over the Independence Day weekend claimed more than 100 lives in Central Texas, prompting President Trump to declare a federal disaster for Kerr County and dispatch FEMA resources.
  • The administration’s proposal to shrink FEMA has been shelved after bipartisan criticism highlighted risks to disaster response capabilities.
  • On Fox & Friends, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said she “can’t wrap [her] head around” how several hours of advance flash flood alerts failed to avert the deadly flooding.
  • Noem’s social media activity during the crisis, including Instagram requests for followers’ feedback on her portrait, has intensified accusations of tone-deaf leadership.
  • Local officials and residents are calling for expanded warning siren networks and enhanced emergency communications in the flood-prone region known as "Flash Flood Alley."