Trump Calls Reporter 'Evil' After Texas Flood Questions

2025-07-14 00:00:11.677

Following devastating floods in Texas's Hill Country, which resulted in at least 129 deaths and over 170 missing persons, Donald Trump asserted that ample warnings were issued. He stated that warnings were given a day, two days, and even four hours prior to the event, suggesting that additional measures such as bells could have been implemented. This statement came amidst reports that Kerr County officials failed to activate a readily available public alert system that could have utilized mobile phones as alarms, potentially saving lives. The system's non-activation is particularly concerning given its cost-free nature, implemented as a substitute for an unaffordable siren system. The catastrophe has intensified scrutiny of the Trump administration's efforts to downsize FEMA, raising questions about the agency's responsiveness. FEMA's workforce had significantly decreased by mid-May, losing a third of its staff. A June 11 memo from Secretary Noem further mandated a five-day review period for any FEMA contract exceeding \$100,000, potentially hindering disaster response. Current and former FEMA officials claim this policy has slowed down response efforts, with the deployment of national search and rescue teams notably delayed. Secretary Noem denies these claims, asserting that FEMA responded swiftly and received praise from state officials. However, documents suggest that on July 7, only 15.9 percent of FEMA calls were answered, and Noem's policy delayed the renewal of call center contracts. House Democrats have called for an urgent review of the flood response, highlighting structural shortcomings at various levels of government. Meanwhile, search and rescue operations were temporarily suspended due to renewed flood warnings, and a mandatory evacuation order was issued in San Saba County. Various organizations are accepting donations to aid flood victims and displaced pets.