White House Rejects Blame for Texas Flood Disaster as Death Toll Passes 100
The White House has responded firmly to claims by some Texas officials that recent deadly floods in the state may have been worsened by staffing cuts at the National Weather Service (NWS), allegedly tied to decisions made during Donald Trump’s current administration.
Over the Fourth of July weekend, flash floods devastated Kerrville and surrounding areas in Kerr County, Texas. More than 100 people are confirmed dead, with dozens still missing, after intense rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to rise to over 26 feet in just hours.
The fast-moving water swept away mobile homes, vehicles, and vacation cabins filled with holiday travelers. Officials say the region experienced a month’s worth of rainfall in a single day, prompting emergency declarations across several counties.
Questions Over Weather Warnings and Staffing
Some local officials have questioned whether the NWS was adequately staffed and prepared to provide timely warnings. A report from The New York Times cited concerns that critical positions in local NWS offices had gone unfilled due to cost-cutting measures introduced by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), part of a broader administrative reform initiative led by Elon Musk.
The implication that the Trump administration’s reforms may have affected emergency preparedness prompted a swift response from the White House.
Leavitt: “A Depraved Lie” to Blame President Trump
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the controversy during a Sunday briefing.
“Blaming President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie and it serves no purpose during this time of national mourning,” she said.
Leavitt defended the National Weather Service, stating that the agency “executed timely and precise forecasts and warnings,” despite the extreme and sudden weather conditions.
“This was an act of God,” she said. “It’s not the administration’s fault that the flood hit when it did. There were early and consistent warnings. The National Weather Service did its job.”
Disaster Declaration Signed
President Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County on Sunday, pledging federal support for local recovery efforts.
“I would have done it today, but we’d just be in their way,” Trump said when speaking to reporters. “It’s a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible.”
Erica Grow Cei, a spokesperson for the National Weather Service and certified broadcast meteorologist, also issued a statement on behalf of the agency.
“The National Weather Service is heartbroken by the tragic loss of life,” she said. “We remain committed to our mission to serve the American public through our forecasts and decision support services.”
A Community in Mourning
Of the confirmed fatalities, 84 occurred in Kerr County. Authorities say 22 adults and 10 children remain unidentified. Rescue teams continue searching through debris as families wait for news of missing loved ones.
As Texas begins the long road to recovery, state and federal officials remain at odds over who, if anyone, bears responsibility for potential shortcomings in emergency preparation.