Meteorologists and former federal officials say recent flash flooding in Texas was not caused by budget cuts to federal weather agencies, despite assertions from several Democratic lawmakers.
Following the deadly floods that have claimed at least 120 lives—including 36 children—some Democrats suggested that staffing reductions at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) may have played a role in the severity of the disaster. However, weather experts and government officials say there is no evidence to support that claim.
“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, former director of the Analysis and Understanding Branch in the National Severe Storms Laboratory at NOAA. “Just 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-based meteorologist Matt Lanza added: “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.”
Despite those assessments, some Democratic lawmakers pointed fingers at federal policy. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) posted on social media: “It’s possible that Donald Trump’s policies had something to do with the level of death and destruction in Texas.”
The White House strongly rejected that claim, calling it a “depraved lie.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “Blaming President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie, and it serves no purpose during this time of national mourning.”
Former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo also criticized Murphy’s comments, referring to them as a “cheap shot.”
Federal reports confirm that NOAA had deployed additional personnel in the area when the floods hit. Meanwhile, recovery efforts continue across the region, with dozens still missing.