FEMA left nearly two-thirds of Texas flood-survivor calls unanswered
Reporting and findings
- reported
The New York Times reported from FEMA documents that nearly two-thirds of calls from Texas flood survivors went unanswered after the agency allowed call-center contracts to lapse under cost controls.
- The New York Times: FEMA Didn't Answer Thousands of Calls From Flood Survivors, Documents ShowPassages and source records documenting: FEMA left nearly two-thirds of Texas flood-survivor calls unanswered
- documented
Elon Musk was the Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work.
- The White House: President Trump participates in a press conference with departing DOGE adviser Elon MuskAppointment or biography record identifying Elon Musk as Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- documented
Kristi Noem was the Trump-appointed homeland security secretary.
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Kristi NoemAppointment or biography record identifying Kristi Noem as Trump-appointed homeland security secretary
Summary and current status
Call-center cuts turned an administrative savings measure into lost access to emergency assistance.
Internal documents showed thousands of survivor calls went unanswered
People and organizations
- Kristi NoemTrump-appointed homeland security secretary
- Elon MuskTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- Federal Emergency Management Agencydisaster agency operating survivor call centers
- Donald J. Trumppresident authorizing the administration action
Relationships in this file
- Elon Muskreduced call-center capacity before a major disasterFederal Emergency Management Agency
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE workElon Musk
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed homeland security secretaryKristi Noem
Figures
Texas flood-survivor calls unanswerednearly two-thirds percent Calculation details
- Basis
- Observed
- Population
- Calls to FEMA's disaster-assistance line during the reported interval
- Period
- 2025-07-05 to 2025-07-10
- Method
- Internal FEMA call-center records reviewed by the New York Times.
- Uncertainty
- Rounded share for the reported event window, not a yearly national service rate.