1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

The Trump administration's delayed and inadequate response to the catastrophic flooding in central Texas is unacceptable. Failing to properly staff FEMA call centers and keep them operational during a crisis left thousands of disaster survivors unable to access vital assistance. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's decision to terminate hundreds of call center contractors the day before the floods hit, resulting in only 36% of calls being answered, was a grievous dereliction of duty that likely cost lives. Her three-day delay in authorizing rescue efforts is equally inexcusable. This level of negligence and mismanagement in the face of a historic natural disaster is appalling. Noem has proven herself dangerously unfit to lead agencies tasked with protecting American lives and property. For the safety of the nation, her immediate removal from this critical position is warranted and justified by her disastrous performance. Competent leadership capable of effectively coordinating emergency response efforts must be appointed without delay.