Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem responded firmly on Thursday to CNN\u2019s accusations that her cost-control policies delayed FEMA\u2019s response to the recent Texas flood. CNN\u2019s article, titled \u201cFEMA\u2019s response to Texas slowed by Noem\u2019s cost controls,\u201d claimed that new spending restrictions hindered FEMA\u2019s ability to act swiftly in Central Texas. Noem dismissed the report as \u201cfake news\u201d and \u201cabsolutely trash,\u201d asserting that her agency responded immediately to the disaster.<\/p>\n
Speaking on Fox & Friends<\/em>, Noem emphasized that DHS teams\u2014including the Coast Guard, Border Patrol, and tactical units\u2014were on site without delay. She praised Texas officials, especially Governor Greg Abbott and Emergency Management Director Nim Kidd, noting that they received every resource requested promptly. Noem criticized CNN for politicizing the disaster and spreading misinformation, saying it erodes public trust in the news.<\/p>\n CNN\u2019s earlier reports highlighted Noem\u2019s mandate that all FEMA contracts and grants exceeding $100,000 require her personal approval, a policy which the outlet argued limited FEMA\u2019s autonomy during the flood. The disaster impacted at least six counties and caused over 120 fatalities on July 4.<\/p>\n In response, a DHS spokesperson told CNN that Noem\u2019s approval was not needed for additional FEMA resources because DHS deployed other search and rescue teams instead. Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS official, stated that FEMA is evolving into a more streamlined and deployable force.<\/p>\n McLaughlin added that this new approach empowers states to lead disaster relief efforts, replacing \u201cold processes\u201d that have historically failed Americans in emergencies.<\/p>\n PLAY:<\/p>\n