Watch Karoline Leavitt Reacts To NWS Union Claim That Cuts Led To Inadequate Staffing Before Deadly Texas Flood

 

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Karoline Leavitt Slams NWS Union Staffing Claims Amid Texas Flood Tragedy: "Depraved and Despicable"

By [Anoop Jain] | July 8, 2025 | Washington, D.C.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a forceful rebuttal Thursday in response to claims from the National Weather Service (NWS) union, which alleged that inadequate staffing may have impacted forecasting prior to the deadly floods in Texas earlier this week.

Speaking at a press briefing, Leavitt firmly rejected the union's statement, calling the claims politically motivated and “despicable,” especially in the wake of a national tragedy.

“I think those comments are depraved and despicable, especially when so many Americans are mourning the loss of their children,” Leavitt said.

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NWS Union Claims Spark Political Firestorm

The controversy began when the union representing National Weather Service employees publicly questioned whether recent budget cuts and staffing reductions had contributed to forecasting challenges in Texas. The floods, which devastated multiple communities and left several dead, have become a flashpoint for political commentary.

Some Democratic officials and media commentators have suggested that Trump-era budget priorities contributed to the staffing situation—a narrative that Leavitt forcefully pushed back against.

“The National Weather Service did its job,” she stated. “Many meteorologists and experts have confirmed that. Even many in the media have acknowledged this—though not all.”

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White House Praises NWS Response

Leavitt emphasized that forecasters provided timely and consistent warnings, including record-breaking lead times for flash flood alerts. She noted that one of the affected weather service offices was actually overstaffed at the time of the storm.

“These offices were well-staffed. In fact, one of the offices had more people than they needed,” she said. “Any claim to the contrary is completely false. And it’s just sad that people are pushing these lies.”

She added that the Biden administration considers the event a “national tragedy” and is treating it with the urgency and seriousness it deserves—while avoiding political exploitation.

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Presidential Visit to Texas Expected

Leavitt also confirmed that President Trump plans to travel to Texas, tentatively on Friday, to assess flood damage and meet with victims' families and local officials.

“We hope that it will be later this week, likely on Friday, but we want to do it at the most appropriate time for state and local officials. We don’t want to interrupt the recovery efforts,” she noted.

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Moving Forward Amid Mourning

As rescue and recovery operations continue across Texas, Leavitt called on political figures and media outlets to refrain from sowing division.

“This is not a political game. This is a national tragedy,” she said. “And the focus should be on supporting affected families and ensuring recovery—not scoring partisan points.”

The White House has not yet confirmed the full itinerary for Friday’s proposed trip, but officials say it will be announced as soon as logistics are finalized.

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📝 Top FAQs – Karoline Leavitt on Texas Floods and NWS Staffing Claims

1. What did the NWS union claim about staffing before the Texas floods?

Answer: The union representing the National Weather Service (NWS) stated that inadequate staffing may have hindered their ability to effectively forecast and warn the public ahead of the deadly floods in Texas.

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2. How did Karoline Leavitt respond to the union’s claim?

Answer: Leavitt strongly denied the union’s assertion, calling it “depraved and despicable”. She emphasized that the NWS offices involved were well-staffed, with one even being overstaffed.

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3. Did the NWS provide adequate warnings before the floods?

Answer: According to Leavitt, the NWS issued timely and accurate flash flood warnings and had record-breaking lead times. She cited this as proof that the agency fulfilled its duties responsibly.

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4. Are political figures blaming the floods on past administrations?

Answer: Yes. Some Democratic officials and commentators have suggested that Trump-era budget decisions may have contributed to staffing problems. Leavitt condemned these claims as political weaponization of a tragedy.

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5. Will President Trump visit Texas in response to the flooding?

Answer: A presidential visit is tentatively planned for Friday, depending on coordination with state and local officials. The White House emphasized that the timing will not interfere with ongoing recovery efforts.

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6. Is there any evidence that staffing shortages affected flood forecasting?

Answer: The White House says no such evidence exists. Leavitt noted that many experts and meteorologists agree the NWS provided ample warning and that the affected offices had sufficient staffing levels.

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7. What message did Leavitt give to the media and public?

Answer: Leavitt urged people not to politicize the disaster, stating:

“This is a national tragedy… The focus should be on supporting families and recovery—not scoring partisan points.”

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8. What is the current status of recovery efforts in Texas?

Answer: Recovery and flood monitoring efforts are ongoing. Federal, state, and local teams are working together, and the administration continues to monitor the situation closely.