Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
The head of FEMA has publicly condemned “misinformation and conspiracy theories” surrounding the federal government’s response to Hurricane Helene.
Let’s bring you up to speed: Former President Donald Trump and other critics have raised concerns about FEMA’s handling of the response to Hurricane Helene, claiming that the agency is prioritizing other issues over helping Americans in need. Trump specifically accused FEMA of spending its resources on aiding migrants in the United States, suggesting that this diverted funds from disaster relief efforts in Republican areas. There have also been claims from Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene that the government used weather control technology to direct Hurricane Helene toward Republican-voting regions as part of a broader political agenda.
What’s the deal: During an interview with ABC, FEMA Director Deanne Criswell was asked about claims made by former President Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson, and other Republicans about the government’s response to Hurricane Helene and funding being misappropriated. She said, “You know, it’s really a shame that we’re putting politics ahead of helping people, and that’s what we’re here to do.” Director Criswell also commented on the impact of disinformation, saying, “It’s having a tremendous impact.”
She continued, “We’ve had the local officials helping to push back on this dangerous — truly dangerous narrative that is creating this fear of trying to reach out and help us or to register for help.” According to Criswell, the claims also impact first responders, calling it “demoralizing to all of the first responders that have been out there in their communities helping people.”
White House chimes in: White House Communications Director Ben LaBolt and Director of Digital Strategy Christian Tom published a memo over the weekend pushing back on those claiming the federal government is failing to respond to those in North Carolina. They wrote, “A number of scam artists, bad-faith actors, and others who want to sow chaos because they think it helps their political interests are promoting disinformation about the recovery effort, including ways to access critical and live-saving resources. This is wrong, dangerous, and it must stop immediately.”
They added that the White House deployed “a robust, intensive, and whole-of-government” response to Hurricane Helene and is committed to helping those in need.
