President Donald Trump has remained largely silent regarding his plans to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following the devastating flash floods in Texas that resulted in the deaths of over 100 people, including young campers attending a girls-only camp.
After the disaster struck, Trump was asked if he still intended to phase out FEMA, to which he responded by stating that it was not the appropriate time for such discussions.
During a nearly two-hour Cabinet meeting the following Tuesday, Trump did not bring up his plans to dismantle FEMA either.
Instead, he began the meeting by allowing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to discuss her visit to Kerrville, Texas, the day after the floods, which had wreaked havoc during the Fourth of July holiday.
Noem expressed her deep emotions while recounting the federal response, admitting that she had become overwhelmed during her visit.
“This is very emotional,” she said, adding, “It’s also just so tragic.”
Noem emphasized that while Texas is resilient, disaster management is primarily the responsibility of the state, with the federal government stepping in to provide support.
“We’re cutting through the paperwork of the old FEMA, streamlining it, much like your vision of how FEMA should operate,” she noted, referencing Trump’s promise to overhaul the agency.
She further stated that the spirit of Americans helping one another in times of crisis demonstrates the core values of community responsibility.
Looking ahead, Trump confirmed that he would visit the flood-affected area on Friday, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump.
This will mark his second trip to assess the damage from a natural disaster since resuming office, having previously visited North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene and the aftermath of wildfires in California.
Noem also reported that first responders were still searching for numerous missing girls from Camp Mystic, a long-standing all-girls Christian summer camp that was struck hard by the floodwaters.
She painted a heart-wrenching picture of parents searching through the mud for their children’s belongings, recalling the emotional scenes of families clinging to hope while sifting through the destruction.
“The parents that were looking for their children, picking up their daughters’ stuffed animals out of the mud, and finding their daughter’s shoe… hugging and comforting people matters a lot,” Noem shared, expressing her gratitude for the lives that were saved amid the chaos.
“I’m extremely grateful for God’s hand in that whole situation because hundreds and hundreds of people were saved,” she said, emphasizing the need for community service during such challenging times.
In drawing an analogy to a dam breach, Trump remarked that such events occur rapidly and result in devastating outcomes, likening the swift rise of floodwaters to similar disasters.
The floodwaters that crashed into camps and homes along the Guadalupe River in the early hours swept people away from their cabins, tents, and trailers, with survivors reported to have clung to trees as a means of survival.
The tragic outcome has seen more than 100 lives lost, including at least 27 campers and counselors, while reports indicated that 10 campers and a counselor were still unaccounted for.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott later confirmed that at least 161 individuals remain missing from the disaster.
The flood and its catastrophic impact have temporarily quieted discussions about the possibility of scaling back FEMA’s operations, which plays a critical role in aiding states during natural disasters by providing essential supplies and support.
Trump has voiced intentions to reduce FEMA’s role, stating in June that he aimed to shift disaster management down to the states rather than relying solely on federal assistance.
While there is bipartisan support for reforming the agency, experts caution that dismantling FEMA entirely could result in substantial gaps in critical services and funding.
In past statements, Trump has accused FEMA of political bias, claiming that disaster relief was not adequately provided to regions in western North Carolina, suggesting favoritism by his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden.
He has also expressed interest in negotiating terms with California Governor Gavin Newsom in return for federal disaster assistance.
Responding to inquiries on whether he still plans to phase out FEMA, Trump downplayed the question during a recent appearance, indicating that the agency is currently focused on its work.
“Well, FEMA is something we can talk about later but, right now, they’re busy working, so we’ll leave it at that,” he stated before departing New Jersey en route to the White House.
He has since signed a major disaster declaration for Texas, facilitating the flow of federal aid to assist in the recovery efforts.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt provided an indirect response to questions about the plan to phase out FEMA during a briefing, restating the president’s commitment to ensuring Americans have the resources they need during crises.
“The president wants to ensure American citizens always have what they need during times of need, whether that assistance comes from states or the federal government,” she said, indicating that policy discussions regarding disaster management would continue in the future.
Trump had established a council in January to assess FEMA’s functions, with a report expected in November.
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