The White House has addressed claims by Texas officials that Donald Trump’s cuts may be to blame for the devastating flash floods in the state.
As America enjoyed the Fourth of July celebrations on Friday, hundreds just outside the Texan town of Kerrville were hit by deadly floods.
The flash flooding has swept through Kerr County in Texas, as rescue teams continue to look for survivors.
It swept away mobile homes, vehicles, and holiday cabins, which were being used by Americans celebrating Independence Day.
One month’s worth of heavy rain fell in a matter of hours, leading to the Guadalupe River rising to the dangerous level of 26 feet. This lead to a state of emergency being declared in several counties.
The death toll from the floods has since climbed to more than 100, while a unknown number of others are still missing, officials have confirmed.
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Over 100 people have died as a result of the floods (RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)
84 of the victims died in Kerr county, while the Sheriff has said 22 adults and 10 children have yet to be identified.
Some Texas officials are attributing the National Weather Service’s (NWS) failure to adequately warn emergency services about rainfall to blame, according to the New York Times.
It’s understood that ‘crucial positions’ at local NWS offices were unfilled due to the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) cost-cutting methods introduced by Elon Musk earlier this year.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has now hit back at speculation President Trump is to blame for the Texas floods.
“Blaming President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie and it serves no purpose in the time of national mourning,” she said.
The White House press secretary went on to say the NWS ‘executed timely and precise forecasts and warnings’ despite the ‘unprecedented rainfall’ coming in Texas.
Donald Trump is not to blame, according to the White House press secretary (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Leavitt added: “That [the floods] was an act of God. It’s not the administration’s fault that the flood hit when it did, but there were early and consistent warnings and, again, the National Weather Service did its job.”
On Sunday (July 6), Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County amid the ongoing tragedy.
“I would have done it today, but we’d just be in their way,” the president told pres. “It’s a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible.”
Speaking on behalf of the NWS, Erica Grow Cei, a certified broadcast meteorologist, has also spoken out following the July 4th weekend tragedy.
“The National Weather Service is heartbroken by the tragic loss of life,” she said.
The expert added that the agency remains ‘committed to our mission to serve the American public through our forecasts and decision support services’.
