White House address Texas officials’ claim Trump’s NWS is to blame for flash floods as death toll rises to more than 100

The White House has responded to claims that former President Donald Trump’s policies may be partially responsible for the deadly flash floods in Texas.

Over the Fourth of July weekend, severe floods devastated areas near Kerrville, Texas, sweeping away homes, cars, and cabins used for holiday celebrations.

In just a few hours, a month’s worth of rain fell, causing the Guadalupe River to rise to 26 feet and prompting emergency declarations in multiple counties.

More than 100 people have died, with 84 confirmed fatalities in Kerr County. Authorities have yet to identify 22 adults and 10 children. Dozens more remain missing as rescue efforts continue.

Some officials in Texas have blamed the National Weather Service (NWS) for failing to issue timely warnings, citing staffing shortages caused by cost cuts implemented through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk earlier this year.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt firmly rejected accusations that President Trump was responsible for the disaster. She stated that blaming the president during a time of mourning is “a depraved lie” and praised the NWS for issuing timely and accurate forecasts.

Leavitt emphasized the floods were “an act of God” and not the result of government failures. On July 6, Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County. Meanwhile, NWS spokesperson Erica Grow Cei expressed sorrow over the tragedy and reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to protecting the public with reliable forecasting and emergency support.