Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has addressed criticism from political activists at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding the Trump Administration’s disaster response efforts. The criticism, delivered in an anonymous letter, alleged delays and inefficiencies in recent federal emergency management activities.
“I am not surprised that some of the same bureaucrats who presided over decades of inefficiency are now objecting to reform; including many who worked under the Biden Administration to turn FEMA into the bureaucratic nightmare it is today,” said Secretary Noem. “Change is hard. It is especially hard for those invested in the status quo, who have forgotten that their duty is to the American people — not entrenched bureaucracy. I refuse to accept that FEMA red tape should stand between an American citizen suffering and the aid they desperately need. That’s why I am working so hard to eliminate FEMA as it exists today and streamline this bloated organization into a tool that actually benefits Americans in crisis.”
Responding to claims about delayed disaster response during catastrophic flooding in Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, DHS outlined its actions: personnel from U.S. Coast Guard, Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR), and FEMA were deployed within 24 hours after floods began. Nearly 600 FEMA personnel supported disaster recovery efforts throughout the crisis.
The timeline provided by DHS states that Texas Task Force 1—a team equipped by FEMA—was activated by state officials within hours of flooding. Additional federal search and rescue teams were sent immediately after requests from Texas authorities. President Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration shortly after Governor Greg Abbott’s request, leading to swift deployment of assistance.
Combined state and federal efforts resulted in over 1,500 rescues or evacuations. Petty Officer Scott Ruskan of the Coast Guard reportedly saved nearly 200 lives himself.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott described DHS's actions as “the fastest and most coordinated federal-state response” experienced by Texas. Nim Kidd, Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, stated: “I’ve been doing this for more than 30 years, and I can say with confidence that this was the fastest and most effective federal support Texas has ever received. Thanks to Secretary Noem’s leadership, Texas Task Force 1 was fully equipped and trained to respond immediately under my direction on July 4, and every additional Urban Search and Rescue team we requested was deployed without delay. That kind of partnership - moving the right resources at the right time - saved lives and made all the difference in our response.”
Addressing concerns about grant processing times due to Secretary Noem personally reviewing agency grants over $100,000, DHS reported improved efficiency since January 2025: average speeds for delivering federal grant funding have increased by 126%, direct survivor assistance is more than 40% faster on average, and responder deployment speed has doubled compared to previous administrations.
Some critics claimed that transferring certain FEMA employees to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) affected disaster readiness. According to DHS statements, only select Human Resources staff and personal security specialists were temporarily detailed for a short-term assignment supporting ICE hiring processes; no first responders or operational disaster staff were reassigned.
Allegations regarding cuts to mitigation programs or reductions impacting State, Local, Tribal, or Territorial partners were also denied by DHS officials. The department maintains that all such programs remain funded while undergoing review for effectiveness.
DHS further clarified points about other programs: Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) operations continue locally without interruption; National Fire Academy training resumed after a brief closure; Youth Preparedness Council participation remains voluntary with encouragement for local engagement.
In response to claims about censoring climate science or cutting workforce capacity at FEMA, Secretary Noem emphasized redirecting focus toward core disaster response functions rather than unrelated initiatives or redundant positions.
Secretary Noem said her reforms aim at reducing waste while improving responsiveness during emergencies.
