INGRAM, TEXAS – Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Saturday that the federal response to the catastrophic Fourth of July floods in Texas marked a “fundamentally different” approach to disaster relief—one that reflects President Donald Trump’s vision for a faster, state-empowered emergency response system.
“What we did in Texas is exactly the kind of response President Trump believes FEMA should deliver nationwide,” Noem told reporters during a press conference alongside Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
The flash floods, which left at least 119 dead and over 150 still missing, struck the Hill Country with devastating force, washing away entire communities and killing 27 girls at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas.
A Rapid Federal Response
Unlike under previous administrations, Noem said, federal help was dispatched immediately—with pre-approved funding, deployed Coast Guard helicopters, CBP swift water rescue teams, and BORTAC (Border Patrol Tactical Unit) personnel on the ground “within hours.”
“This is how it should work,” she said. “Texas didn’t wait weeks for help. The Trump administration sent it right away.”
Noem noted the White House approved Texas’ major disaster declaration within just hours of the request. She added that Trump authorized the pre-deployment of federal dollars—a first-of-its-kind action by FEMA.
“States shouldn’t have to beg. We sent money in advance so Texas officials could save lives without red tape,” she said. “FEMA has never done that before.”
A Stark Contrast to Biden-Era Disasters
Noem contrasted the Trump team’s response with President Biden’s handling of previous disasters, citing delays during the 2023 East Palestine train derailment, the Maui wildfires, and Hurricane Helene.
“People in Maui waited weeks for water and shelter,” Noem said. “Under Biden, FEMA failed them. Under Trump, we’re changing the game.”
President Trump has repeatedly criticized FEMA, and earlier this year floated the idea of either overhauling or dismantling the agency entirely.
“FEMA will no longer be a bloated bureaucracy,” Noem said. “President Trump may even rename it to reflect the mission: fast, accountable, state-first disaster relief.”
“No More Waiting 20 Years for a Check”
Noem blasted FEMA’s reputation for sluggish claims processing, saying that under the Trump administration, the agency is being restructured to support state and local leaders directly.
“Emergencies are local. States manage, and the federal government backs them up,” she said. “We’re done waiting for someone from Washington to show up.”
She emphasized training local officials to take the lead, supported by immediate federal resources — a model the administration intends to replicate across the country.
FEMA Shakeup on the Horizon?
While Noem stopped short of announcing a formal replacement for FEMA, she made it clear a transformation is underway.
“This agency will not look the same a year from now,” she said. “The president wants something leaner, faster, more responsive — and he’s going to make that happen.”
Asked about Texans struggling to reach FEMA hotlines, Noem rejected the reports outright.
“I’m throwing the BS flag on that one,” she said. “If someone’s contract isn’t getting people help fast enough, I’ll cancel it. Period.”
Trump, Melania Survey Devastation Firsthand
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited Kerrville on Friday, meeting with emergency responders, grieving families, and local officials. Trump vowed continued support and praised the resilience of Texans.
“Americans’ hearts are shattered, but we’re with you,” Trump said during a roundtable at the Hill Country Youth Event Center. “We’re doing everything we can to help Texas recover.”
