DHS Secretary Kristi Noem hit back hard at CNN on Thursday, calling their report on the Texas flood response “absolutely trash.” The network claimed her cost-cutting policies delayed FEMA’s ability to act. Noem said that was false and accused CNN of playing politics instead of reporting facts.
“Well, there you go, fake news CNN again,” she said on Fox & Friends. “It’s absolutely trash what they are doing by saying that.” According to Noem, her department’s teams—Coast Guard, Border Patrol, and tact units—were on the ground “immediately.” She praised the quick coordination with Texas officials and said no one in the state complained about the response.
CNN’s report said Noem’s policy—requiring her approval on FEMA contracts over $100,000—slowed things down. But Noem said every request was met in real time and no corners were cut. “The fact that CNN is continuing to be political and push out fake information and false information and lies is not shocking,” she said. “But it’s a disservice to the country.”
Noem warned that media misinformation breeds distrust. “People start to mistrust anything that comes out then over the news,” she added. “They just don’t trust anybody anymore.” The flood struck six Texas counties and killed over 120 people during the early hours of July 4.
CNN’s article painted Noem’s new rule as stripping FEMA of autonomy. But DHS pushed back, saying the policy didn’t interfere with the flood response. Instead of waiting on contract approval, they activated other DHS assets like the Coast Guard. A spokesperson said FEMA’s shift to a more mobile and state-friendly model is intentional.
“FEMA is shifting from bloated, DC-centric dead weight to a lean, deployable disaster force,” said DHS official McLaughlin. “The old processes are being replaced because they failed Americans in real emergencies for decades.”
DHS said FEMA was already active in Texas by Sunday. The Coast Guard, they said, worked “around the clock” to help victims. “We are currently deploying federal emergency management resources,” Noem said. “We’ll work closely with state and local authorities to ensure the people of Texas get the support they need.”
President Trump signed a disaster declaration on Sunday to authorize recovery efforts. He’ll visit the flood-ravaged region on Friday, joined by First Lady Melania Trump. “Pray for the victims, the families, and our first responders,” Noem said. “God bless Texas.”