U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has strongly criticized a CNN report that accused her of delaying the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) response to the recent catastrophic flooding in Texas. During an appearance on “Fox & Friends,” Noem dismissed the allegations as “absolutely trash,” asserting that CNN’s reporting was misleading and inaccurate.

CNN Report Sparks Controversy

The controversy began when CNN published an article alleging that FEMA faced “bureaucratic obstacles” due to a directive from Noem. According to the report, this directive required her personal approval for any DHS contract or grant exceeding $100,000, which purportedly hindered FEMA’s ability to quickly secure funds and deploy resources in response to the disaster. The article suggested that this requirement stripped FEMA of its autonomy at a critical time.

Impact of the Flooding

The flooding, which occurred over the Fourth of July weekend near the Guadalupe River in central Texas, resulted in over 100 fatalities and left more than 150 people missing. The severity of the situation demanded immediate action from emergency services, and CNN’s report implied that Noem’s policies delayed these efforts.

Noem’s Defense

In her defense, Noem stated that DHS teams were deployed without delay and provided all necessary support to the affected areas. She highlighted the immediate involvement of the Coast Guard and Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) teams, emphasizing that local officials, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Emergency Management Director Nim Kidd, had not expressed any dissatisfaction with the federal response.

Broader Implications

Noem also pointed out that her department is actively responding to similar emergencies in New Mexico and North Carolina. She accused CNN of politicizing the issue and spreading false information, which she believes undermines public trust in media outlets.

Ongoing Media Debate

The dispute between Noem and CNN underscores ongoing tensions between political figures and media organizations over coverage accuracy. As this situation unfolds, it highlights the challenges faced by government agencies in managing public perception during crisis responses.