NEW: Democrat Governor Flips, Praises Trump: ‘As Quickly As I’ve Ever Seen’

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, offered rare praise for President Donald Trump’s administration on Monday, lauding its swift response to the deadly storms that have battered the state in recent days.

In recent days, Beshear acknowledged the federal government’s rapid turnaround in providing disaster relief following torrential rainfall that left at least 12 people dead. The severe storms, which overwhelmed parts of Kentucky, caused widespread flooding, road closures, and power outages.

“I do want to thank Secretary Noem and the President, who have responded to all of our requests, turned around the declaration of emergency about as quickly as I’ve ever seen,” Beshear told MSNBC. “FEMA is with us here in the EOC, and they brought in resources, extra search and rescue teams. So really grateful for how they’re operating with us.”

His comments were different from the usual partisan tone surrounding disaster relief efforts. His remarks highlighted the efficiency of the Trump administration’s response, a point often overlooked by Democrat officials reluctant to credit the current president.

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This is not the first time Beshear has broken ranks with his party on key issues. The Kentucky governor, who won re-election in a deep-red state in 2023, has sought to navigate a moderate path, occasionally siding with Republican leadership on economic and disaster relief matters.

As of Tuesday, Kentucky has been grappling with severe flooding that has resulted in at least 12 fatalities. The flooding, which began over the weekend, has led to widespread devastation across the state.

The floods have caused significant damage to homes, roads, and utilities. Approximately 39,000 households are without power, and numerous roads remain impassable due to high water levels. In Pike County, the city of Pikeville has been particularly hard-hit, with reports of extensive property damage according to the Wall Street Journal.

Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency to expedite relief efforts. President Donald Trump also approved federal disaster aid to support the state’s response and recovery initiatives.

The severe weather is part of a larger storm system affecting multiple states. A polar vortex has introduced life-threatening cold to the northern and central U.S., with temperatures plummeting to -60°F in parts of North Dakota. The extreme cold follows the storms that have caused deadly flooding in Kentucky and other regions.

Last year, the Biden administration and FEMA faced backlash over their handling of disaster relief, particularly following Hurricane Helene, which devastated North Carolina in September 2024. Residents in hard-hit areas, like Barnardsville, criticized FEMA for slow and insufficient aid, forcing them to rely on volunteers and local efforts.

Trump and other political figures accused the Biden administration of diverting FEMA funds to assist illegal migrants instead of disaster victims. FEMA also faced internal scrutiny after a supervisor in Florida was fired for instructing relief teams to avoid homes displaying pro-Trump signs following Hurricane Milton.