Trump Hides During Texas Floods Disaster, Blames Biden: The Push to Eliminate FEMA and Its Fallout š±
Introduction
By Wade Ritter, July 5, 2025
The catastrophic flash floods that ravaged Texas Hill Country on July 4, 2025, have left communities reeling, with at least 51 people dead, including 15 children, and 27 girls still missing from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River. As rescue teams scramble to locate survivors and families mourn their losses, a troubling narrative has emerged from the Trump administration: a push to dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and shift the burden of disaster response to states. This stance, coupled with the abrupt firing of FEMAās acting head, Cameron Hamilton, has sparked outrage amid accusations that former President Donald Trump is deflecting blame onto the previous Biden administration while failing to lead during this crisis. š” This opinion piece explores the implications of Trumpās anti-FEMA agenda, the federal governmentās sluggish response to the Texas floods, and the human toll of this disaster, while urging readers to seek truth through independent journalism.
Trumpās War on FEMA: A Dangerous Precedent šØ
Donald Trumpās disdain for FEMA is no secret. Since the start of his second term in 2025, he has advocated for phasing out the agency, arguing that states should bear the primary responsibility for disaster preparedness and response. This aligns with the controversial Project 2025, a Heritage Foundation-led blueprint for a far-right overhaul of the federal government, which explicitly calls for ādismantlingā the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and significantly reducing FEMAās role. Trumpās rhetoric suggests that federal involvement in disaster relief is bloated and inefficient, a claim that resonates with his base but ignores the critical coordination FEMA provides during emergencies like the Texas floods. Heritage Foundation Project 2025
On May 8, 2025, Trump fired Cameron Hamilton, FEMAās acting administrator, just one day after Hamilton testified before Congress, stating, āI do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency.ā New York Times Hamiltonās ouster came after he participated in a closed-door meeting with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials discussing FEMAās potential dismantlement, a move that reportedly included a lie detector test to ensure his loyalty. CNN This firing sent shockwaves through the agency, already reeling from the resignations of over a dozen senior leaders, including Jeremy Greenberg, head of FEMAās National Response Coordination Center. NPR
Trumpās push to eliminate FEMA is not merely ideological; itās legislative. Shutting down FEMA would require an act of Congress to amend the 1988 Stafford Act, which outlines FEMAās roles and cost-sharing responsibilities with states. AP News However, Trumpās administration has already taken steps to weaken FEMAās capacity, such as suspending door-to-door canvassing programs that help survivors enroll for assistance. These actions have raised concerns among emergency management experts, who argue that FEMAās coordination of federal resources, direct household assistance, and infrastructure repair funding is irreplaceable. FEMA Official Website
The Texas Floods: A Human Tragedy Unfolds š
The Texas floods, triggered by torrential rains that dumped up to 12 inches of water overnight, have been described as ācatastrophicā by Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha. The Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and lives. Washington Times Among the hardest hit was Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp in Hunt, Texas, where 750 campers were staying. As of July 5, 2025, 51 people have been confirmed dead, including 15 children, with four girls from Camp Mystic among the deceased. Twenty-seven girls remain missing, with search and rescue teams working tirelessly to locate them. The Independent
The stories from Camp Mystic are heart-wrenching. Elinor Lester, a 13-year-old camper, recounted being helicoptered to safety as the camp was ācompletely destroyed.ā Common Dreams The family of eight-year-old Renee Smajstrla confirmed her death, with her uncle sharing on social media, āShe will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic.ā Daily Mail Meanwhile, parents like Serena Hanor Aldrich criticized camp management for failing to monitor weather warnings from the Texas Division of Emergency Management, which could have prompted earlier evacuations.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been proactive, signing a disaster declaration to unlock federal aid and praising the communityās resilience. Over 850 people have been rescued, with 400 responders, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones deployed. BBC News However, the death toll is expected to rise, and the missing girls from Camp Mystic remain a focal point of the tragedy. Texas Division of Emergency Management
Federal Response: Too Little, Too Late? š
Despite Trumpās assurances that the federal government is āworking closely with local authorities,ā the response has been criticized as inadequate. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that FEMA is operating at an āenhanced level,ā but the agencyās diminished capacityāexacerbated by leadership turnover and proposed budget cutsāhas hindered its effectiveness. ABC News The National Weather Service (NWS), gutted by Trumpās Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), issued faulty forecasts that Texas officials blame for the high death toll. Hindustan Times
Locals have voiced frustration over the lack of timely federal intervention. One X user posted, āSo funny that the flooding in Texas, people are wondering why didnāt they know it was gonna get as bad as it gotā¦ You can thank Trump for thatā¦ He took away all the storm forecasting/weather information as well as FEMA.ā This sentiment echoes broader concerns about the Trump administrationās rollback of climate change regulations and funding cuts to NOAA, which have impaired weather forecasting capabilities. The Guardian
Trumpās response has been to deflect blame, pointing fingers at the Biden administration for leaving FEMA underfunded and unprepared. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he called the floods āterribleā and āshockingā but offered little in the way of concrete action beyond promising federal aid. Critics argue that Trumpās absence from the public eye during the crisisācompared to Governor Abbottās visible leadershipāsuggests a lack of engagement. Texas Tribune
The Case for State-Led Disaster Response: A Flawed Argument? š¤
Trumpās argument that states should handle disasters independently is rooted in a belief that local governments are better equipped to respond to their communitiesā needs. He has suggested that FEMAās role could be replaced by interstate mutual aid agreements, a point echoed by Noem, who claimed states could āstand on their own two feet.ā Reuters However, experts counter that FEMAās federal coordination is essential for mobilizing resources across state lines, especially during large-scale disasters like the Texas floods. Brookings Institution
The financial burden of state-led responses is another concern. Weather disasters in the U.S. cost billions annually, and FEMAās National Flood Insurance Program provides critical support for homeowners. NPR Without federal backing, states like Texas, already stretched thin by the flood response, would struggle to cover recovery costs. CBO Report on Disaster Costs
Moreover, the Texas floods highlight the limitations of state-led forecasting. The NWSās inaccurate predictions, attributed to Trumpās cuts, left local authorities unprepared for the Guadalupe Riverās rapid surge. Weather Underground This undermines the argument that states can operate independently when federal agencies are deliberately weakened.
The Human Cost: Voices from the Ground š£ļø
The tragedy at Camp Mystic has captured national attention, with stories of loss and survival emerging daily. Four confirmed deaths include young Renee Smajstrla, whose family shared her joyful final moments. Two counselors, Ella Bennett and Annie Flack, were among those rescued, offering hope amid the grief. San Antonio Express-News At reunification centers, families like Serena Hanor Aldrichās reunited with their children, but others remain in limbo, awaiting news of the 27 missing girls. The Economic Times
Social media has amplified these voices, with posts on X expressing anguish and frustration. One user wrote, āChildren are missing in the Texas Hill Country flash flood. Praying for the best.ā Another criticized the Trump administrationās priorities, noting, āAt least Trump and Melania inform us they are praying for the victims. That has to be enormous comfort.ā Balloon Juice
Trumpās Blame Game: Pointing Fingers at Biden š
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Trumpās tendency to blame predecessors is a hallmark of his leadership style, and the Texas floods are no exception. He has claimed that Bidenās administration left FEMA in disarray, ignoring the fact that his own policiesāsuch as firing Hamilton and proposing budget cutsāhave directly undermined the agencyās capacity. Politico This deflection conveniently sidesteps the broader issue of climate change, which Trump has downplayed despite its role in intensifying extreme weather events. Climate Central
The Biden administration did face challenges with FEMA, including staffing shortages and budget constraints, but it maintained the agencyās core functions. Government Accountability Office Trumpās cuts, however, have targeted FEMAās operational capacity, leaving it ill-equipped for the 2025 hurricane season and the Texas floods. Center for American Progress
Why Independent Journalism Matters š°
As the Texas floods expose the consequences of Trumpās anti-FEMA agenda, the need for reliable, unfiltered reporting is more critical than ever. Mainstream media outlets, while valuable, often face pressure to align with political narratives. Independent news organizations like Intersteller News, a Canadian online publication, offer a vital alternative. Unconstrained by U.S. political pressures, Intersteller News provides in-depth coverage of global events, including the Texas floods, without bowing to autocratic demands. Intersteller News
Subscribing to Intersteller News has several advantages:
Unbiased Reporting: Based in Canada, the publication operates outside the U.S. political ecosystem, offering a fresh perspective on American issues. Canadian Journalism Foundation
In-Depth Analysis: Their Substack platform delivers detailed investigative pieces, free from corporate influence. Substack
Community Engagement: Subscribers gain access to exclusive content and can interact with journalists, fostering a dialogue absent in traditional media. Substack Benefits
Global Perspective: Coverage extends beyond U.S. borders, contextualizing events like the Texas floods within global climate trends. Global News
Affordable Access: Flexible subscription tiers make independent journalism accessible to all. Intersteller News Subscription
By supporting Intersteller News, readers empower journalists to hold leaders accountable, especially during crises when truth is paramount. Other independent outlets, like The Intercept and ProPublica, also provide rigorous reporting that challenges official narratives. The Intercept ProPublica
Conclusion: A Call to Action ā
The Texas floods are a stark reminder of the human cost of political decisions. Trumpās push to eliminate FEMA, exemplified by the firing of Cameron Hamilton and the weakened federal response, has left Texas grappling with a disaster it cannot face alone. The 51 lives lost, including 15 children, and the 27 girls still missing from Camp Mystic underscore the urgency of maintaining a robust federal emergency system. As Trump deflects blame and shies away from leadership, the need for independent journalism grows. Subscribing to Intersteller News ensures access to unfiltered truth, empowering readers to stay informed and demand accountability. Letās support outlets that refuse to bend to autocratic pressures and amplify the voices of those affected by this tragedy. š Intersteller News
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