Kristi Noem's incompetence matters

[struggle4progress]

JVL and Sarah discuss the tragic flash flooding in Texas and break down CNN's reporting about how Kristi Noem’s cost-cutting directive slowed FEMA’s ability to deploy rescue teams, paralyzed relief efforts, and what this disaster reveals about the Trump administration’s broader failures.

[struggle4progress]

1. FEMA head hasn't been seen in over a week

David Richardson has made no public appearances or statements following his appointment on May 8

Gustaf Kilander
in Washington D.C.
Thursday 10 July 2025 23:24 BST

FEMA Acting Administrator David Richardson has been absent during the federal response to the floods in Texas, prompting concerns about his leadership.

Richardson hasn’t visited the site of the floods, the deadliest in the U.S. in a quarter century, ending a longstanding tradition of FEMA leaders being publicly available following natural disasters.

“DHS and its components have taken an all-hands-on-deck approach” to the Texas flooding, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Politico, pointing to aid given by the U.S. Coast Guard and Border Protection. “FEMA has deployed extensive staff to support Texas response and recovery operations based on staff skills and requirements.”

Former FEMA officials told the outlet that Richardson being away from the scene has prompted concerns that the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, is in charge of FEMA’s response to the tragedy ...

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/fema-david-richardson-texas-floods-b2786854.html

[Prof. Toru Tanaka]

4. Gnome is in charge?

Let the lawsuits begin!

[Irish_Dem]

2. Trump considers all of this to be a success.

He picked out people who would punish, control, destroy, kill, injure Americans.
Weaken and destroy our country is the goal.

He then will be in total control.
And be able to steal all US cash and resources.

Our enemies are thrilled.

[struggle4progress]

3. FEMA's response to Texas flood slowed by Noem's cost controls

By Gabe Cohen and Michael Williams, CNN
6 minute read
Updated 5:05 AM EDT, Thu July 10, 2025

Washington
CNN
—
As monstrous floodwaters surged across central Texas late last week, officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency leapt into action, preparing to deploy critical search and rescue teams and life-saving resources, like they have in countless past disasters.

But almost instantly, FEMA ran into bureaucratic obstacles, four officials inside the agency told CNN.

As CNN has previously reported, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem — whose department oversees FEMA — recently enacted a sweeping rule aimed at cutting spending: Every contract and grant over $100,000 now requires her personal sign-off before any funds can be released ...

https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/09/politics/fema-texas-flood-noem

[RedWhiteBlueIsRacist]

5. Kr-isis-ti No-empathy

[malaise]

6. Chris Hayes had a good segment on this earkier

Rec

[FHRRK]

7. I just find it ironic and so fucking republican

That a lady with a fake chin, fake lips, fake nose, fake tits, etc, can utter the term fake news.