Trump Calls Journalist ‘Evil’ Over Texas Flood Question
President Donald Trump lashed out at a CBS News reporter who questioned him about the lack of timely warnings during the devastating Texas flash floods. The reporter asked why alerts failed to reach families before the deadly disaster struck.
Devastation in Texas: Lives Lost and Thousands Missing
While many Americans enjoyed July 4th celebrations, rural Texas faced catastrophe. Flash floods swept through Kerr County, ki**ing at least 129 people and leaving over 150 missing. Homes, businesses, and a summer camp on the Guadalupe River were destroyed, leaving parents desperate for news of their children.
Why Were the Floods So D**dly?
Experts told the BBC that a volatile mix of unusual humidity, extreme weather, and the region’s hilly terrain contributed to the severity. Meanwhile, rescue teams worked tirelessly to aid survivors and recover the missing.
Budget Cuts and Warning Failures Spark Anger
Social media users blamed Trump’s Department of the Interior budget cuts for weakening the National Weather Service. Many believe this led to insufficient flood warnings, which could have saved lives.
Confrontation at Kerrville Press Briefing
On July 11, during a visit to Kerrville, Trump faced tough questions from reporters. A CBS Texas journalist asked, “Several families are upset because warnings didn’t go out in time. What do you say to those families?”
At first, Trump responded calmly, praising the rescue efforts: “Everyone did an incredible job under the circumstances.” Then, his tone shifted sharply.
Trump’s Harsh Response: ‘Only an Evil Person Would Ask That’
Trump accused the reporter of being “evil” for raising the question. “Only a bad person would ask a question like that,” he said. “It’s easy to second guess after the fact. This was something that has never happened before.”
Conservative Support: Media ‘Pointing Fingers’
Republican Rep. Chip Roy echoed Trump’s sentiments, condemning the media’s focus on blame. “Pointing fingers is for losers,” Roy stated.
Conflicting Reports on Warnings
The National Weather Service issued two flood warnings overnight. However, Kerrville officials reportedly learned of the floods only hours later, as the disaster struck in the early morning darkness.
The New York Times revealed that local officials requested funding for a flood warning system at least three times, but state authorities denied the requests.
