FEMA Official Decries False Claims and Conspiracy Theories About Hurricane Helene Response
TL/DR –
The US government’s top disaster relief official, Deanne Criswell, has called false claims and conspiracy theories about the federal response to Hurricane Helene “demoralizing” to aid workers. Promoted by Donald Trump and other Republicans, misinformation includes accusations of FEMA intentionally withholding aid to Republican areas and spending all its money on illegal immigrants. Criswell asserts such baseless claims are creating fear and mistrust among residents in need of recovery assistance.
US Government Refutes False Claims Regarding Hurricane Helene Response
WASHINGTON (AP) – Deanne Criswell, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) leader, disputed false claims and conspiracy theories about the US government’s response to Hurricane Helene. She argued these were “demoralizing” aid workers and fostering fear among those in need of recovery help.
She described these false narratives, notably spread by ex-President Donald Trump, as “ridiculous” and “unhelpful”, and lamented the politicization of humanitarian work. She stated that FEMA has enjoyed complete support from the North Carolina state.
The past week has seen a surge of misinformation among Helene’s most affected communities, largely instigated by Republicans. Falsehoods include accusations of Washington intentionally withholding aid from Republican regions.
READ MORE: Fact-checking Trump’s claims about Helene, immigration, and the economy
Trump also wrongfully accused FEMA of prioritizing illegal immigrants over the hurricane’s victims. Other critics argue that the government overspends on foreign aid.
Acting Director of FEMA’s Office of Response and Recovery, Keith Turi, confirmed FEMA’s adequate funding for Helene response. He reminded that Congress had recently replenished FEMA with $20 billion, and $8 billion are reserved for recovery from previous storms and mitigation projects.
Extremist groups are spreading baseless theories warning that officials plan to bulldoze storm-damaged communities and seize the land. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., falsely claimed Washington used weather control technology to steer Helene towards Republican voters.
Such unfounded claims have created mistrust against FEMA employees and volunteers aiding in Helene recovery efforts, which claimed 230 lives. Despite this, Criswell affirmed local officials’ efforts in combating this dangerous narrative.
President Joe Biden pledged to cooperate with local and state leaders, regardless of political affiliation, in his Sunday statement.
In the meantime, FEMA is preparing for Hurricane Milton, a Category 1 storm heading toward Florida.
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