Kristi Noem Flips the Script on CNN’s ‘Absolutely Trash’ Texas Flood Reporting [WATCH]

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem responded Thursday to criticism from CNN over the federal government’s handling of emergency response efforts during the catastrophic floods that struck Central Texas on July 4.

The network published a report titled “FEMA’s response to Texas slowed by Noem’s cost controls,” which alleged that Noem’s spending oversight policies delayed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s ability to deploy resources to the affected region.

Appearing on Fox & Friends, Noem dismissed the accusations as false and politically motivated, stating that federal resources under her department’s control were deployed without delay following the disaster.

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“Well, there you go, fake news CNN again. It’s absolutely trash what they are doing by saying that,” Noem said.

“Because our Coast Guard, our Border Patrol and our tact teams were there immediately. Every single thing they asked for, we were there. The governor and the Emergency Management Director Nim Kidd were fantastic and nobody there has said anything about [that] they didn’t get everything that they wanted immediately or that they needed and I’m proud of the work that we have done.”

Noem further criticized CNN’s reporting as misleading and damaging.

“The fact that CNN is continuing to be political and push out fake information and false information and lies is not shocking, but it’s a disservice to the country,” she said.

“It’s a real disservice to the country because people start to mistrust anything that comes out then over the news. But they just don’t trust anybody anymore.”

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CNN has stood by its reporting.

A spokesperson for the network told the Daily Caller News Foundation that their article was accurate and based on internal FEMA information.

The controversy stems from a policy implemented by Noem earlier this year requiring that all FEMA contracts and grants exceeding $100,000 receive her approval.

CNN reported in June that the policy “stripped [FEMA] of much of its autonomy,” citing unnamed sources who suggested the approval process may have impacted FEMA’s ability to respond swiftly during the flood crisis, which affected at least six counties and resulted in more than 120 deaths.

However, a DHS spokesperson told CNN that Noem did not need to approve any additional FEMA resources because the department activated other DHS assets, including the U.S. Coast Guard and tactical response teams, which responded immediately following the flood.

Tricia McLaughlin, a senior DHS official, defended the department’s approach.

“FEMA is shifting from bloated, DC-centric dead weight to a lean, deployable disaster force that empowers state actors to provide relief for their citizens,” McLaughlin said.

“The old processes are being replaced because they failed Americans in real emergencies for decades.”

According to DHS, FEMA was officially activated in Texas on Sunday, and the Coast Guard was “working around the clock” to assist with search and rescue operations.

“We are currently deploying federal emergency management resources to Texas first responders, and will work closely with state and local authorities to ensure the people of Texas get the support they need as search efforts continue and recovery begins,” Noem said in a department statement.

“Pray for the victims, the families, and our first responders. God bless Texas.”

President Donald Trump signed a federal disaster declaration on Sunday, authorizing FEMA and DHS to coordinate emergency response and recovery operations.

The declaration allows the federal government to provide assistance to state and local agencies in recovering missing persons and delivering aid to impacted communities.

President Trump is scheduled to visit the disaster area on Friday alongside First Lady Melania Trump to meet with local officials, first responders, and families affected by the flooding.

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