The Trump administration blasted Democrats who are pointing fingers at the White House over the deadly floods that have swept through Texas, claiming the lives of at least 80 people, including nearly 30 children.
In recent days, Democrats have attempted to lay blame at the feet of President Trump and his cabinet, particularly Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, for what they claim was a lack of preparedness by the National Weather Service.
Since Trump took office, the NWS has seen significant staffing cuts, although hiring resumed in June.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson took to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday afternoon to address the growing backlash.
Timelapse flooding of the Llano River on July 4th pic.twitter.com/59Tnn6NZG7
— Rob Dew (@DewsNewz) July 5, 2025
“I have seen many uninformed Democrats shamefully spreading Fake News about Texas, so let’s get the facts straight,” Jackson posted.
She cited meteorologists who reported that protocol had been followed and that the NWS “did their job and did it well.”
According to meteorologist Jason Runyen at the National Weather Service office in New Braunfels, an office that covers forecasts for Austin and San Antonio, staffing levels were increased ahead of the storm.
“There were extra people in here that night, and that’s typical in every weather service office — you staff up for an event and bring people in on overtime and hold people over,” Runyen said.
While the office usually has two forecasters during normal weather, they had as many as five working during the flooding.
Secretary Noem faced heated questions during a Saturday press conference alongside Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Reporters pressed her over what they described as delayed warnings to residents prior to the devastating flash floods.
Noem acknowledged the flaws in the alert system, attributing some of the delay to outdated technology.
“The weather is extremely difficult to predict,” Noem said. “But also that the National Weather Service, over the years at times, has done well and at times, we have all wanted more time and more warning and more notification.”
She stated that the administration is now prioritizing upgrades to the alert system to ensure Americans receive more timely warnings in the future.
“We know that everyone wants more warning time, and that’s why we’re working to upgrade the technology that’s been neglected for far too long to make sure families have as much advance notice as possible,” Noem said.
Amid the backlash, Trump is directing federal support to assist first responders and victims in Texas.
In a Truth Social post on Sunday, the president announced a federal disaster declaration for Kerr County, one of the areas hardest hit by the floods.
“I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need,” the president stated.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 6, 2025
“These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing.”
Trump noted that the administration was working “closely” with both state and local leaders.
“Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives,” he added. “GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!”
Trump said he intends to visit Texas to assess the damage and speak with local officials. While a date hasn’t been finalized, he suggested Friday as a likely option.
“We wanted to leave a little time. I would’ve done it today, but we’d just be in their way,” Trump said.
.@POTUS says he plans to visit Texas later this week:
"Probably on Friday. We wanted to leave a little time. I would've done it today, but we'd just be in their way — probably Friday." pic.twitter.com/LK13OiCXRI
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 6, 2025
He promised continued federal involvement as the state begins the long process of recovery.
“We’ll continue to be there. And we’re working very closely with representatives from Texas, and it’s a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible,” the president added.
“So we say, God bless all of the people that have gone through so much, and God bless, God bless the state of Texas.”
Trump was less forthcoming when asked about FEMA’s role, after the agency came under fire last year for its handling of Hurricane Helene.
“FEMA is something we can talk about later, but right now, they’re busy working, so we’ll leave it at that,” he said.
By Sunday, officials confirmed that the flooding had taken at least 80 lives. Kerr County alone accounted for 68 of those deaths, including 28 children and 40 adults, according to local emergency services.
I didn’t where the demonrats were blaming cuts in services. Typical, they don’t actually care to read the facts. The cuts don’t happen till October. They don’t care so they will use the loss of life for their agenda. Shameful!