Bulwark Takes: Episode Summary Title: Why Kristi Noem’s Incompetence Matters
Host/Author: The Bulwark
Release Date: July 10, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host JVL engages in a critical discussion with Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark, focusing on South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's handling of recent disaster relief efforts. Released on July 10, 2025, the episode delves into the ramifications of Noem's policies on FEMA's effectiveness during the Texas flash flood tragedy.

The Texas Flash Flood Tragedy

The episode opens with JVL addressing the catastrophic flash flood that struck Texas last Friday, highlighting the severity and immediate impact of the disaster.

• JVL [00:30]: "Last Friday we had a flash flood in Texas. Absolutely horrifying. The waters rose 23ft in an hour in the early morning hours. As of right now, when we're sitting down to talk, 120 people dead, 173 still missing. Unbelievable tragedy."

Kristi Noem adds a poignant detail regarding the victims, emphasizing the tragic loss of young lives.

• Kristi Noem [00:59]: "And many of them were children attending camp."

Critique of FEMA and Government Response

JVL shifts the conversation to the operational failures of FEMA in responding to the disaster, attributing these shortcomings to Governor Noem's policies.

• JVL [01:19]: "FEMA seems to have done a very bad job... she issued a directive that anything costing more than $100,000 can't be executed by anybody further down the food chain within DHS than her... $100,000 is nothing when it comes to something like disaster relief because you're talking about renting equipment, moving in personnel."

He elaborates on the bureaucratic bottlenecks that hindered timely disaster response, pointing out that only 86 FEMA staffers were deployed by Monday night, despite the urgent need.

• JVL [03:48]: "This does not seem like any way to run a railroad."

Kristi Noem’s Policies and Their Impact

Sarah Longwell provides a detailed critique of Noem's administration, arguing that her policies have systematically undermined effective disaster management.

• Sarah Longwell [03:48]: "...when it's on you, right, when you are in charge and you're making these kinds of decisions, they have real life consequences."

She compares Noem's approach to previous administrations, notably referencing the inadequate response during Hurricane Katrina under George W. Bush.

• Sarah Longwell [07:54]: "It is not politicizing a tragedy to evaluate and look for accountability in how the American government handles tragedy, which is what this is."

FEMA's Delayed Response and Bureaucratic Hurdles

JVL cites a CNN report to underscore the delays in FEMA's response due to Noem's authorization requirements.

• JVL [07:54]: "FEMA didn't authorize the deployment of urban search and rescue teams until Monday, more than 72 hours after the flooding began."

He highlights how critical resources like aerial imagery and additional support staff were withheld pending Noem's approval, exacerbating the disaster's impact.

Historical Comparisons and Public Perception

Kristi Noem draws parallels between the current situation and the Hurricane Katrina disaster, focusing on the lack of visual evidence of government failure.

• Kristi Noem [10:16]: "I remember the image of when they were all in the stadium... it was a horrible failure of government for everybody to see."

She argues that the absence of visible signs of failure in the recent floods makes it harder for the public to recognize and hold the government accountable.

Broader Implications on Government Competency

The discussion broadens to examine the overall competency crisis within the current administration, linking it to various governmental failures beyond disaster response.

• Sarah Longwell [14:15]: "There is a crisis of competency in the Trump administration... their ability to respond to crises is ineffective."

JVL adds context by mentioning other areas where the administration has faltered, such as vaccine promotion and managing public health crises.

• JVL [12:58]: "What's going on is a fundamental reorganization of American government... It's being reimagined as a thing which needs a vast national secret police force... But shouldn't be responding to floods."

Notable Quotes

• JVL [00:30]: "Unbelievable tragedy."
• Kristi Noem [00:59]: "It's too gut wrenching for words."
• Sarah Longwell [07:54]: "This is what this is."
• Kristi Noem [10:16]: "It was a horrible failure of government for everybody to see."
• Sarah Longwell [14:15]: "There is a crisis of competency in the Trump administration."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with JVL and Sarah Longwell reiterating the urgent need for accountability and structural changes within the federal disaster response framework. They emphasize that Governor Kristi Noem's restrictive policies have not only hampered immediate relief efforts but also posed broader risks to effective governance and public safety.

• Sarah Longwell [16:10]: "Our job is to amplify that cry for help and to put pressure on Kristi Noem to do her real job, which is to keep Americans safe."

The hosts call for greater public awareness and advocacy to ensure that governmental bodies like FEMA are empowered to act swiftly and efficiently during emergencies, thereby preventing future tragedies of this magnitude.

Key Takeaways:

• Governance and Disaster Response: Kristi Noem's directive requiring personal approval for expenditures over $100,000 has significantly delayed FEMA's response to the Texas flash flood.

• Bureaucratic Inefficiencies: The need for high-level approvals created bottlenecks, hindering timely deployment of essential resources and personnel.

• Comparative Failures: The episode draws parallels between the current disaster response and past governmental failures, highlighting a persistent pattern of inefficiency.

• Call for Accountability: Hosts advocate for systemic changes and greater accountability to ensure effective disaster management and public safety.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights presented in the Bulwark Takes episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the issues surrounding Kristi Noem's administration and its impact on disaster relief efforts.