The Department of Homeland Security claimed CNN engaged in activist journalism by alleging that Secretary Kristi Noem's cost-control edict caused delays in FEMA's response to severe flooding in Texas. CNN reported that Noem required personal signoff on FEMA contracts over $100,000, which delayed assistance for 72 hours. DHS's statement praised the federal response, asserting lives were saved, but contradicted CNN's reports indicating delayed deployments of rescue teams. The claims highlight tensions between government narratives and media uncovering operational challenges.
DHS accused CNN of activist journalism for reporting that Secretary Kristi Noem's cost-control edict slowed FEMA's response to Texas floods. They labeled the reporting a FAKE NEWS LIE, but this only reinforces the 72-hour delay CNN exposed.
CNN reported that Noem imposed a strict rule requiring her personal signoff on all FEMA contracts or grants exceeding $100,000, delaying emergency response efforts. The threshold for typical disaster relief is considered negligible.
DHS claimed its coordinated response saved over 900 lives and praised Secretary Noem for her efforts, stating deployments began within moments of the flooding. However, this contradicts CNN's sourced accounts detailing delays.
While DHS portrayed a seamless federal response, CNN and local outlets reported that elite USAR teams were held from deployment for more than three days after the flooding began, raising questions about the timeline.
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