Charlie Kirk slammed after blaming DEI policies for Texas flood death toll: 'Don’t need your opinion'

KERR COUNTY, TEXAS: Right-wing commentator and MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk is under fire after claiming that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives contributed to the high death toll from the catastrophic flash floods in Texas Hill Country.

During a segment on his Real America’s Voice broadcast, Kirk argued that “the death toll likely would not have been as high if it wasn’t for DEI,” accusing Democrats of ignoring the tragedy.

Kirk shared his thoughts during an episode of his show where he lashed out at Democrats, claiming they were showing little concern for the tragic loss of life in Texas. “The Democrats are so despicable. The Democrats are not lifting a finger to remember the well over 100 that have died in Texas Hill Country.”

Charlie Kirk blames DEI for Texas flood death toll

“This Texas tragedy is just the latest example,” Kirk said on-air. “It’s not just incompetence. This is DEI working to undermine meritocratic institutions, and more people likely died than otherwise would have because of DEI.” He did not provide any evidence to support the claim.

Kirk’s comments highlight similar talking points made by other conservative figures, including President Donald Trump, who previously blamed a fatal mid-air crash in Washington, DC, on the FAA’s diversity initiatives.

Elon Musk also weighed in earlier this year, controversially stating, “DEI means people die” after wildfires ravaged parts of California.

The backlash to Kirk's comments was swift. Critics accused him of using a deadly natural disaster to further a political agenda, while survivors and families of victims continue to grieve and demand accountability from local leaders.

As of Wednesday evening, at least 119 people are confirmed dead in the Texas floods, with over 170 still missing, most of them in Kerr County, the epicenter of the devastation.

Officials face tough questions over lack of warnings

While Kirk’s comments sparked a political firestorm, officials in Kerr County are also facing growing pressure over the region’s preparedness and disaster response.

During a press conference on Wednesday, local leaders struggled to explain the apparent lack of warning systems, including emergency sirens, before the Guadalupe River overflowed with terrifying speed on the morning of July 4.

Sheriff Larry Leitha acknowledged shortcomings, saying, “If improvements need to be made, improvements will be made.” Emergency crews described harrowing rescue efforts, including pulling residents from submerged vehicles and flooded homes.

Kerrville police officer Jonathan Lamb noted, “They rescued people out of vehicles. They rescued people out of homes that were already flooded, pulling them out of windows. I know that this tragedy, as horrific as it is, could have been so much worse.”

Kirk’s remarks coincided with a newly surfaced internal email from the Department of Health and Human Services, obtained by Politico, in which employees were encouraged to complete a “whistleblower questionnaire” inviting them to report any experiences of discrimination linked to earlier diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies that has added fuel to the ongoing national conversation around DEI in government institutions.

Internet reacts after Charlie Kirk blames DEI for Texas flood death toll

Right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk ignited a firestorm online after claiming the death toll from the devastating Texas floods “would not have been as high if it wasn’t for” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The controversial remark, made during his show, quickly drew backlash across social media as users slammed the attempt to link DEI policies to a natural disaster.

One user wrote, “What’s wrong with him is that he’s an idiot.”

Another commenter was more direct, writing, “Actually @charliekirk11 you arrogant twat, the death toll wouldn't have been as high if your guys didn't slash the critical funding and fire the ones responsible for reporting the weather and issuing the alerts. Another MAGA lying desperately while there’s blood on their hands.”

Some users pointed out, “He wants something else to blame than what is actually at fault for the floods.”

Another wrote, “Blaming DEI when it’s Republicans in office in Texas, but they don’t wanna blame them. Lmfao okay.”

One user ridiculed Kirk’s logic, “This guy could watch his house get hit by a meteor and his first thought would be ‘This is what happens when you let them teach critical race theory.’”

And another added a jab at his credentials, “Well he dropped out of community college so there’s that.”

Another said, "I’m from Texas we don’t need your opinion."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.