Despite efforts by Democrats to score political points on social media, experts say there is no connection between federal cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency and the flooding disaster in Texas.
From former NOAA officials to National Weather Service officials and local meteorologists, a chorus of voices took to the airwaves saying the disaster was not a result of DOGE cuts but was an example of how difficult it is to predict flash floods.
“There is little evidence that any of the recent cuts to NOAA/NWS negatively impacted services for this event, regardless of what may be being said on social media,” said Alan Gerard, a former director of the Analysis and Understanding Branch in the National Severe Storms Laboratory at NOAA. “[J]ust looking at the actual warning services that NWS provided during the event, they were solid and provided the level of warning and alerts that the public should expect to receive for an event such as this.”
Houston meteorologist Matt Lanza chimed in saying, “In this particular case, we have seen absolutely nothing to suggest that current staffing or budget issues within NOAA and the NWS played any role at all in this event. Anyone using this event to claim that is being dishonest.”
A variety of Democrat politicians posted on social media blaming the staffing cuts in what the White House called a “depraved lie.”
“It’s possible that Donald Trump’s policies had something to do with the level of death and destruction in Texas,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT).
Former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo called Murphy’s words a “cheap shot” and AI system Grok quickly fact checked Mruphy’s post.
“Blaming President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie, and it serves no purpose during this time of national mourning,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
According to reports federal weather offices had extra personnel working in the area when the flash flood occurred.
The death toll is currently at 120 including 36 children. More adults and children are still missing.
