DHS slams CNN for ‘activist journalism’ over report claiming Noem slowed Texas flood response

Published July 9, 2025 10:19pm ET



The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday blasted CNN for an article the outlet ran claiming Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem delayed FEMA’s response to the Texas floods, calling the story a “FAKE NEWS LIE.”

The report, citing anonymous sources, suggested the agency’s response was delayed by bureaucracy that required Noem to sign off on any contract and grant over $100,000 due to a Trump administration cost-saving rule.

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