Texas Flood Killed Children. Doctor Blamed the Victims
Houston pediatrician Dr. Christina Propst found herself at the center of a firestorm after a social media post mocking victims of the devastating Texas floods went viral. The post, which suggested that residents of Kerr County who suffered in the floods "got what they voted for," sparked outrage and led to her swift termination from Blue Fish Pediatrics, according to the New York Post. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the fine line professionals must walk when expressing political opinions during times of national tragedy.
A Post That Sparked Outrage
In the aftermath of the catastrophic floods that swept through Kerr County, Texas, killing at least 104 people, including over 20 children from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp, Dr. Propst posted a message on Facebook that quickly drew widespread condemnation. Her now-deleted post read, "Kerr County MAGA voted to gut FEMA. They deny climate change. May they get what they voted for. Bless their hearts," as reported by the New York Post.
The post appeared to politicize the tragedy by linking the victims' suffering to their political choices, specifically targeting supporters of President Donald Trump.
The post was first brought to broader attention when a screenshot was shared by the social media account Libs of TikTok, igniting a firestorm of criticism online. Many questioned how a medical professional could express such callousness toward families enduring unimaginable loss. Social media users demanded accountability, with some asking if Propst should be allowed to continue practicing medicine in Texas.
Employer Responds With Zero Tolerance
Blue Fish Pediatrics, where Propst was employed, initially placed her on leave as the backlash intensified. However, within days, the clinic announced that she was no longer part of its staff. The practice issued a statement condemning the post, emphasizing that it did not reflect its values or mission. They underscored their commitment to compassion for every child and family, regardless of background or beliefs, and made clear that politicizing tragedy was unacceptable.
The statement posted by Blue Fish Pediatrics said, "This past weekend, we were made aware of a social media comment from one of our physicians. The individual is no longer employed by Blue Fish Pediatrics. As we previously mentioned in our original statement, we strongly condemn the comments that were made in that post. That post does not reflect the values, standards, or mission of Blue Fish Pediatrics. We do not support or condone any statement that politicizes tragedy, diminishes human dignity, or fails to clearly uphold compassion for every child and family. We continue to extend our full support to the families and the surrounding communities who are grieving, recovering, and searching for hope," as reported by Click 2 Houston.
The clinic also expressed ongoing support for the families and communities affected by the floods.
Memorial Hermann Health System, associated with Blue Fish Pediatrics, also distanced itself from Propst's remarks, stating that the physician was not employed by their system and that they have zero tolerance for rhetoric that conflicts with their mission and values.
Political and Professional Fallout
The controversy highlights the tension between personal political expression and professional responsibility, especially for those in caregiving roles. Kerr County, where the floods struck hardest, is a stronghold for President Trump, with more than 76% of voters supporting him in the 2024 election. Propst's post explicitly linked the community's political choices to the disaster's consequences, a stance that many found deeply insensitive given the scale of the tragedy.
The Texas Medical Board's chair, Dr. Sherif Zaafran, weighed in on the matter, emphasizing that politicization has no place during emergency response efforts. He noted that any complaints about the post would be thoroughly investigated, though no formal investigation has been announced as of yet.
The Tragedy Behind the Headlines
The floods that devastated Kerr County, Texas, were the result of a rare and extreme meteorological event. Torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in just 45 minutes, the second-highest rise on record. The region, known as "Flash Flood Alley," is prone to such rapid flooding due to its hilly terrain, clay-rich soil, and atmospheric conditions that can trap heavy rainfall over the same area for hours.
The timing of the flood, occurring in the middle of the night, also contributed to the high death toll, as many residents were caught unaware despite warnings issued hours earlier. Emergency alert systems, including NOAA Weather Radio, could have provided critical advance notice, but challenges in communication and normalcy bias may have led some to underestimate the danger.
A Cautionary Tale for Professionals
Dr. Propst's dismissal is a cautionary tale about the consequences of public statements that appear to lack empathy during times of crisis. While individuals have the right to express political opinions, professionals are held to higher standards of conduct. The backlash against Propst underscores the expectation that medical practitioners maintain compassion and neutrality, particularly when addressing vulnerable populations affected by disaster.
This incident also reflects broader societal tensions where political divisions can complicate responses to shared tragedies. The swift public and institutional response to Propst's post signals a low tolerance for rhetoric that politicizes suffering or alienates communities in need of support.
What Comes Next?
As Kerr County and surrounding areas continue to recover from one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas history, the focus remains on healing and rebuilding. The loss of life, especially among children at Camp Mystic, has left a profound impact on the community and the nation.
For Dr. Propst, the professional consequences are clear. Her termination from Blue Fish Pediatrics serves as a reminder that public figures and professionals alike must weigh their words carefully, especially when tragedy strikes. The Texas Medical Board's pending review may further clarify the professional implications of her actions.
For the public, this episode is a stark example of how political expression intersects with professional responsibility — and how the court of public opinion can swiftly respond when those lines are crossed.
This story continues to unfold as Texas grapples with the aftermath of the floods and the broader conversations about climate change, emergency preparedness, and political accountability that the disaster has ignited.
References: Pediatrician fired for vile post suggesting Texas flood victims were Trump supporters who got 'what they voted for' | Houston pediatrician fired after controversial post about Kerr County flood victims | These are the factors that contributed to the extreme Texas flooding | Texas flooding kills at least 104 as search for survivors continues
