Leavitt blasts Democrats for blaming Trump over Texas flood deaths

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has strongly defended President Donald Trump against accusations from Democrats and the media linking him to the tragic flash flooding in Texas that claimed the lives of at least 91 people. In a scathing response, Leavitt called out Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for spreading “falsehoods” and reiterated the timely warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) leading up to the disaster.

Leavitt emphasized that the NWS had diligently provided forecasts and warnings ahead of the flash flooding, including a flood watch and press briefings on July 3rd. She pointed out that flash flood warnings were issued the night of July 3rd and the morning of July 4th, giving residents more than three hours of lead time before the dangerous conditions unfolded.

Schumer, on the other hand, demanded an investigation into vacancies within the NWS in Texas, suggesting that understaffing may have contributed to the tragic outcome. He stressed the crucial role of NWS experts in predicting storm impacts, monitoring water levels, issuing warnings, and coordinating with local emergency managers.

Despite the political back-and-forth, Leavitt announced that President Trump would be visiting Texas later in the week to meet with flood victims. She expressed sympathy for the families who lost loved ones in the disaster and assured them of the president’s support and prayers.

Meteorologists have attributed the Texas flooding to a slow-moving storm system that unleashed heavy rainfall in a short period, overwhelming the region’s waterways and catching many residents off guard. Despite the NWS’s efforts to issue warnings, the speed and intensity of the storm proved catastrophic.

In conclusion, the debate over the responsibility for the deadly flooding continues to unfold, with both sides presenting their arguments. President Trump’s upcoming visit to Texas is expected to provide some solace to the affected communities as they grapple with the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.

Anders Hagstrom, a reporter with Fox News Digital, covers national politics and major breaking news events. For more updates and insights, you can reach out to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com or follow him on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.