Noem Addresses Political Criticism of Federal Response

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has responded to criticisms regarding the federal response to the catastrophic flooding in Texas. Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” Noem dismissed accusations from Democratic lawmakers as politically motivated. She specifically addressed claims made by Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who alleged that President Donald Trump and Noem had fired FEMA employees during the crisis, leaving flood victims without necessary support. Noem refuted these claims, labeling them “absolutely despicable.”

Rapid Federal Response Praised by Noem

Noem emphasized the swift action taken by federal agencies, stating that she and over 700 FEMA workers were on the ground within hours of coordinating with Texas officials. The Coast Guard also deployed immediately following the call for assistance. According to Noem, this operation marked “the fastest in history that FEMA has ever responded to a disaster.” She contrasted this with what she described as FEMA’s poor performance under the Biden administration, asserting that under Trump, FEMA operated efficiently and effectively.

Local Management Supported by Federal Resources

Highlighting the collaborative approach taken during the disaster response, Noem praised local officials for their management efforts. She stated that the federal role was to support and provide necessary resources rather than take over operations. This approach, she claimed, allowed state and local authorities to effectively manage the situation on the ground.

Rebuttal of Claims Regarding FEMA Operations

Addressing Sen. Murphy’s allegations about unanswered calls and employee firings, Noem firmly denied any such actions took place. She criticized Democrats for politicizing the tragedy while families were still searching for missing loved ones. The July Fourth floods resulted in at least 129 fatalities in central Texas, with more than 160 individuals still unaccounted for in Kerr County.

Legal Challenges to ICE Operations in California

In addition to discussing the Texas flooding response, Noem commented on a federal judge’s temporary restraining order against ICE operations in Southern California. She described the ruling as “ridiculous” and confirmed that the federal government plans to appeal. Noem defended ICE’s methods, emphasizing their focus on targeting individuals involved in criminal activities or those violating federal laws.