Melania Trump is facing mounting criticism after offering “thoughts and prayers” in response to the catastrophic Texas flash floods that claimed at least 51 lives and left dozens missing, including 27 girls from a summer camp in Kerr County.
On Saturday, the former First Lady shared a message on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“My heart goes out to the parents in Texas during this difficult time. I am holding you in my thoughts and sending prayers for strength, comfort, and resilience.”
However, her post sparked swift backlash online, with critics calling the message hollow in light of the Trump administration’s deep budget cuts to federal weather and disaster preparedness programs.
‘Thoughts and Prayers’ Called Out as Hypocrisy
Many users pointed to the Trump-era reductions in funding for the National Weather Service (NWS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)—moves that experts had warned could put lives at risk.
In fact, five former NWS directors had penned a letter to then-President Trump just weeks before the floods, cautioning that further cuts would “lead to needless loss of life.” Their concerns now feel eerily prescient as Texas grapples with one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent memory.
One Florida meteorologist even announced on-air that he was no longer able to provide local forecasts due to the funding shortfall, highlighting how thinly stretched weather offices had become.
Social Media Reacts
Melania’s post was met with a wave of angry replies.
“Instead of support, how about sending back some of the money you and your husband scammed from U.S. taxpayers?” one user wrote.
“Why hasn’t the President said anything?” another asked. “I know it’s not about him this time, but seriously???”
“Your husband gutted the NWS and FEMA. How many lives could have been saved with proper warnings?” one user demanded.
“Thoughts and prayers don’t do a whole lot—how about restoring FEMA’s funding?” added another.
Celebration Amid Tragedy
The criticism was further amplified by images of Melania dancing with Donald Trump on the White House balcony during July 4th festivities, just hours after the tragic news broke. Critics described the display as tone-deaf and out of touch, accusing the couple of ignoring the suffering unfolding in Texas.
As recovery efforts continue, Melania’s response has reignited a broader debate over political responsibility, disaster readiness, and whether symbolic gestures like “thoughts and prayers” carry any weight when they come from those linked to policies that may have worsened the crisis.
