Amidst the devastating Texas floods, which resulted in numerous deaths and missing persons, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem delayed crucial aid by requiring her signature on contracts and grants over $100,000. According to multiple sources, this new requirement delayed the deployment of Urban Search and Rescue crews, aerial imagery, and additional staff for FEMA’s disaster call center. While Texas awaited aid, Noem took to social media to ask followers for their preference on her official portrait as a former governor. Former FEMA Director Deanne Criswell stated that these delays could have cost lives.
Read More
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem renewed calls to eliminate FEMA, citing its slow response to the recent Texas floods, which have resulted in over 120 deaths. However, this delay appears to be a direct result of a new policy implemented by Noem, requiring her approval for all contracts or grants above $100,000, which multiple FEMA officials said has created bureaucratic obstacles and massive delays, including the deployment of search and rescue teams. Noem’s policy, which has been criticized for potentially causing delays in emergency situations, was implemented under the guise of rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse. Congressional Democrats are now calling for investigations into the Trump administration’s cuts to FEMA, which may have contributed to the devastation, and some are urging to stop the dismantling of federal agencies designed to keep citizens safe.
Read More
Secretary Kristi Noem, speaking at the FEMA Review Council meeting, renewed her call for a complete overhaul of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Despite FEMA’s ongoing involvement in search and recovery efforts following devastating floods in Texas, Noem advocated for its elimination and replacement with a more responsive agency. She specifically stated that FEMA should shift its operational model to be state and locally driven, departing from its decades-long federal-led approach. This proposed restructuring aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in disaster response.
Read More
A recent post by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has come under fire, as it “brags” about utilizing FEMA funds to construct a migrant detention facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” especially amid deadly flash floods in Texas. This facility, with an estimated cost of $450 million annually, is set to cost taxpayers $250 per bed per day, surpassing the DHS threshold. The decision to redirect emergency funds has sparked intense criticism, particularly as Texas counties affected by the floods struggle with underfunding and inadequate resources. Social media users have widely condemned Noem’s actions, accusing her of prioritizing political theater over genuine emergency relief efforts.
Read More
During a press conference following the lethal floods in central Texas, officials including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott prioritized thanking each other and President Donald Trump over providing immediate updates on the disaster. This delayed crucial information for nearly half an hour, prompting criticism from San Antonio anchor Stephania Jimenez. The officials focused on praising the emergency response and expressing gratitude, rather than addressing pressing questions and concerns from the public. Jimenez emphasized that this pattern of delayed information and political posturing is a recurring issue during disasters, regardless of the political affiliation of the officials involved.
Read More
Secretary Kristi Noem defended the Trump administration’s response to the Texas flash floods, attributing the delayed warning to outdated technology and highlighting ongoing upgrades. Noem deflected criticism by stating the administration is working to fix neglected systems, shifting blame to previous administrations. While acknowledging concerns regarding cuts to weather research labs, she assured reporters she would convey these issues to President Trump. The report also mentioned recent cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service as well as Trump’s plans to phase out FEMA.
Read More
Following the devastating Texas floods that claimed numerous lives, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the government’s response and the National Weather Service. She cited ongoing technological upgrades as a priority, emphasizing reforms to a system long neglected by the federal government. Despite this, the administration’s fiscal year budget includes cuts to weather research labs and personnel at NOAA and the NWS, raising concerns. Noem vowed to relay community concerns to the government and the President, emphasizing the need for improved warning times.
Read More
A new report reveals that while Kristi Noem served as the governor of South Dakota, she received $80,000 from an anonymous donor through a “dark money” group, significantly supplementing her government salary. Despite becoming the head of the Department of Homeland Security, Noem failed to disclose this payment in her financial disclosure reports, potentially violating federal ethics requirements. The funds were transferred to her personal company, Ashwood Strategies, which the donor, American Resolve, described as a payment for fundraising. Noem’s lawyer claimed she complied with the law, but did not address whether the Office of Government Ethics was specifically aware of the payment.
Read More
Kristi Noem, while governor of South Dakota, received $80,000 through her personal company, Ashwood Strategies, from a dark money group called American Resolve Policy Fund. This payment, described as a fundraising fee, was not included on her federal disclosure forms, which experts suggest is a possible ethics violation. The nonprofit, which doesn’t disclose its donors, paid Ashwood Strategies for raising funds, a highly unusual arrangement according to experts. Noem’s lawyer stated she complied with the law but didn’t respond to whether the ethics office was aware of the payment. This arrangement may have also run afoul of South Dakota law, according to some experts.
Read More
Seven Senate Democrats initially voted to confirm Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary, but many now express regret. Their change of heart stems from Noem’s actions, described as “weaponizing” the department through aggressive deportation policies targeting green card holders and students. Several senators cited disappointment with Noem’s performance and lack of transparency, while others emphasized the need to maintain a working relationship despite policy disagreements. The shift in opinion highlights the growing concern among Democrats over the administration’s immigration enforcement agenda.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker