Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that President Donald Trump aims to "remake" the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) rather than dismantle it. In an interview on NBC News’ "Meet the Press," Noem emphasized that the president believes FEMA should evolve from its traditional structure. "I think the president recognizes that FEMA should not exist the way that it always has been. It needs to be redeployed in a new way, and that’s what we did during this response," she said, referring to the federal response to the recent Texas floods.

The floods have had a devastating impact, resulting in at least 129 fatalities and leaving 166 individuals missing. Trump has previously criticized FEMA, suggesting the agency might be eliminated. However, Noem clarified that the administration's focus is on transforming FEMA into a more effective agency. "He wants it to be remade so that it’s an agency that is new in how it deploys and supports states," she reiterated.

In light of the floods, Noem defended the federal response, which included assistance from the Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. She noted that these agencies routinely engage in disaster response efforts. The administration's shift in tone regarding FEMA comes after Trump had previously expressed disappointment with the agency, stating, "FEMA has really let us down, let the country down," shortly after taking office.

Noem also addressed concerns regarding her oversight of FEMA's spending, confirming that she personally approves all contracts exceeding $100,000. "The $100,000 sign-off is for every contract that goes through the Department of Homeland Security," she explained. "It’s an accountability on contracts that go forward. But there was no break in contracts. Those contracts were approved as soon as they were in front of me."

Criticism of the administration's response to the floods has emerged from some Democrats. Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., has called for Noem's resignation, to which Noem responded dismissively, stating, "I don’t care what she thinks," and asserting there was "no" chance she would resign.

In a related discussion, Governor Andy Beshear, D-Ky., emphasized the importance of learning from the floods. He stated, "What I hope happens is people embrace the questions, because the questions don't have to be a political football, and shouldn't be." Beshear highlighted the need for improvements in disaster response, including better weather forecasting and faster deployment of resources.

In addition to FEMA discussions, Noem faced scrutiny regarding the conditions at an immigrant detention center in Florida, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz." Critics, including Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., described the facility's conditions as "really appalling," claiming detainees were "essentially packed into cages." Noem defended the facility, stating that it meets high federal standards and is not a jail. She mentioned that the administration is considering establishing more detention centers and encouraged individuals to "self-deport."

Noem's comments come amid a recent federal court ruling in California that restricts immigration enforcement practices. The judge ruled that officials cannot rely solely on a person's race or spoken language to determine detention eligibility. Noem stated that the administration would comply with the ruling but denied that targeting based on appearance is a practice.

Trump's administration is also facing trade tensions, as he announced plans to impose a 30% tariff on goods from the European Union and Mexico, effective August 1. This move follows a series of tariff announcements aimed at various trade partners, raising concerns about escalating trade wars.