Texas flood response prompts scrutiny of FEMA delays and leadership
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the Federal Emergency Management Agency's handling of deadly floods in Texas amid criticism over delayed contract renewals and a policy requiring her approval for large agency expenditures.
Gregory Svirnovskiy reports for POLITICO.
In short:
- Kristi Noem, who oversees FEMA, defended her role in the agency’s Texas flood response after reports showed steep drops in call center performance and delays in contractor rehiring.
- Critics say a policy requiring Noem’s personal sign-off on FEMA spending over $100,000 slowed emergency operations; Noem argued it ensures accountability.
- President Trump has suggested dismantling or overhauling FEMA, though he praised its work in the Texas disaster and Noem stated he seeks to “remake” the agency, not eliminate it.
Key quote:
“It’s discouraging that during this time when we have such a loss of life, and so many people’s lives have turned upside down, that people are playing politics with this.”
— Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary
Why this matters:
FEMA plays a frontline role in responding to disasters that are growing more frequent and severe with climate change. Delays in aid during the Texas floods, including lapses in contractor support that left thousands unable to reach the agency by phone, raise concerns about how future emergencies will be handled. Oversight policies that slow decision-making — paired with political uncertainty about FEMA’s future — can leave communities more vulnerable. With extreme weather hitting both coasts and inland states harder each year, a dependable and swift federal response can mean the difference between recovery and lasting devastation.
Related: Texas flood disaster reveals rising human cost of climate-fueled extreme weather
