White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt opened Monday’s briefing with a complete and total rebuke of Democrats and members of the press who, she said, have falsely blamed President Trump for the devastating floods in Texas.
Leavitt, standing at the podium before taking questions, used her opening statement to condemn what she called “another fake narrative” that had taken hold in the aftermath of the disaster.
“Unfortunately, in the wake of this once-in-a-generation natural disaster, we have seen many falsehoods pushed by Democrats such as Senator Chuck Schumer and members of the media,” Leavitt said.
“Blaming President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie and it serves no purpose during this time of national mourning,” she added.
The press secretary went on to lay out what she described as the “facts,” defending the administration’s response and pushing back on claims of unpreparedness.
“Here are the facts: in the lead-up to this tragic natural disaster, the National Weather Service did its job,” she said.
“Despite unprecedented rainfall, the National Weather Service issued timely and precise forecasts and warnings.”
Leavitt cited detailed examples of the agency’s actions, noting that on July 3rd, the National Weather Service in Austin and San Antonio conducted morning briefings and issued a flood watch in the early afternoon.
She added that flash flood warnings were also sent out on the night of July 3rd and early morning of July 4th, giving “preliminary lead times of more than three hours before flash flooding conditions occurred.”
She then directed pointed criticism at those she said were spreading misinformation:
“So to anyone who has deliberately lied about these facts surrounding this catastrophic event, you should be deeply ashamed.”
Leavitt concluded her prepared remarks by expressing sympathy for those affected and pledging federal support.
“At this time, the administration’s focus will be on giving the victims and their communities the support they deserve during these recovery efforts,” she said.
“May God bless the great people of Texas, especially the parents who have lost their children. President Trump loves you. We are praying for you.”
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