The devastating floods that ripped through Central Texas over the July 4th weekend have left at least 80 dead, including dozens of children, and countless families shattered. As first responders and grieving parents face unthinkable loss, Washington politicians wasted no time turning this heartbreak into a political weapon.
From Occupy Democrats to Joaquin Castro, the chorus of blame pointed squarely at President Trump and his administration’s federal weather agency cuts. Yet as meteorologists and emergency officials on the ground confirm, warnings were issued well in advance. The tragic reality was a confluence of torrential rain, outdated local infrastructure, and a weather system that stalled unpredictably over Kerr County.
At Steadfast and Loyal, our hearts go out to every family grappling with this catastrophe. There is no consolation for such loss, and politics should have no place in these moments.
Meteorologists Push Back: “They Did Their Job”
Despite media narratives, professionals at the National Weather Service (NWS) were on high alert. In fact, their New Braunfels office doubled staffing during the storm, issuing a “life-threatening flash flood” warning more than 12 hours before rivers breached their banks.
Texas-based meteorologist Avery Tomasco reminded critics that forecasters even sounded a flash flood alarm three hours before water levels began their catastrophic rise. As Tomasco put it plainly, “They did their job and they did it well.”
The White House echoed these findings, calling out “uninformed Democrats” for spreading what Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson labeled “Fake News.”
Local Failures Ignored in Political Finger-Pointing
While headlines targeted Trump’s NOAA and FEMA budget reductions, local officials admitted gaps in their own preparedness. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly revealed that a proposed river flood warning system—similar to tornado sirens—was shelved years ago due to cost concerns.
“This flood hit fast and in the middle of the night,” Kelly said. “We didn’t have a system in place to warn residents at scale. That’s something we’ll have to address moving forward.”
Meanwhile, summer camps like Camp Mystic had no comprehensive evacuation plan for flash flooding, a chilling oversight that contributed to the loss of young lives.
Climate Change Narrative Overshadows Real Solutions
Rep. Joaquin Castro and other Democrats seized the opportunity to reframe the tragedy as evidence of climate change’s toll. “These floods are happening more often,” Castro told CNN, arguing for a “better prepared” government.
While climate patterns are worth scientific discussion, critics argue the immediate issue lies in modernizing flood alerts and reinforcing vulnerable infrastructure—tasks already underway. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem acknowledged that current systems are “ancient” and pledged upgrades to ensure families have “as much advance notice as possible.”
A Time for Unity, Not Division
In moments like these, Americans should stand shoulder to shoulder. President Trump vowed to deploy every federal resource needed to aid Texas recovery efforts. “Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best,” he said in a Truth Social post. “God bless the families, and God bless Texas.”
Vice President JD Vance added: “Just an incomprehensible tragedy. I hope everyone affected knows they’re in the prayers of my family, and of millions of Americans.”
As search and rescue operations continue and the state braces for more rain, it’s time to focus on healing, supporting survivors, and ensuring this never happens again—not scoring political points on the backs of grieving families.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected during this difficult time. At Steadfast and Loyal, we stand with those grieving and pray for healing, strength, and unity in the days ahead.
– The Steadfast and Loyal Team
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