White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt strongly rebuked recent media reports suggesting that staffing reductions at the National Weather Service (NWS) contributed to delayed or insufficient flood alerts ahead of the catastrophic Texas floods.
Addressing criticism during a press briefing, Leavitt defended the agency, stating that the San Angelo office was “fully staffed with 12 forecast meteorologists” and that the San Antonio office had “11 forecasters”—figures she said counter claims of understaffing.
In her remarks, Leavitt called the accusations a “depraved lie” and urged critics to be “deeply ashamed” for politicizing a national tragedy. She emphasized that the NWS “did its job despite unprecedented rainfall” and reaffirmed that President Trump will travel to Texas later this week to support recovery efforts.
The dispute stems from public concern and scrutiny following the flash floods in Central Texas that claimed at least 80 lives, including 28 children.
Numerous critics, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, have called for an investigation into whether vacancies—especially in key roles like warning-coordination meteorologists—impaired the NWS’s capacity to communicate critical warnings to local officials.
While Leavitt reaffirmed the agency’s reporting capabilities, several experts and internal sources suggest that staffing cuts—part of the Trump administration’s broader budget reductions to NOAA and the NWS—may have strained coordination efforts during emergencies.
These reductions were highlighted amid debate over whether accurate forecasts translate directly into effective public alerts and response, given local vulnerabilities like limited cell coverage and infrastructure.
President Trump and the White House maintain that the NWS performed as expected under extraordinary weather conditions. Senior administration officials argue that most of the accusations, including Schumer’s, are politically motivated and unrelated to the true performance of weather services.
As state and federal officials continue rescue and relief efforts, attention is turning toward whether a formal inquiry into forecast agency staffing and emergency preparedness will take place.
Meanwhile, families in Central Texas brace for a prolonged recovery, with federal and state teams mobilizing aid and support in response to the devastation.
