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.

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.

In hard-hit Kerr County, the death toll has climbed to 95, including 36 children, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said at a news conference Wednesday.

FEMA officials said search and rescue efforts in the Texas floods were slowed by budget rules imposed by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

A Texas official said no person has been rescued alive from flood damage since Friday. This comes as the number of people missing remains above 150 and as questions remain about the emergency alerts preceding the catastrophic event.