Republicans, such as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, have largely responded to the crisis by demonstrating loyalty to Donald Trump and praising him for his federal aid. However, disgruntled citizens have called out Noem for her performative empathy toward the people in crisis.

Kristi Noem was slammed online after asking Instagram followers to pick a horseback portrait for South Dakota’s Capitol—just as Texas floods left nearly 120 dead. “You really posting portraits of yourself on the day Texas flooded and little girls died!

S an Antonio anchor Stephania Jimenez fumed Saturday over a press conference that featured Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott thanking each other and President Donald Trump instead of giving immediate updates on the lethal floods in central Texas.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the deadly Texas flood, promising to upgrade "ancient" National Weather Service systems for better early warnings.

The President said on social media that, 'Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best,' as search for missing campers continues.

Asked shortly after the disaster whether he still intended to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency, President Trump said it wasn’t the right time to talk about it.