FEMA, Hurricane Helene/ disaster relief/ misinformation/ Deanne Criswell/ federal aid/ Trump claims/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell condemned false claims regarding the agency’s response to Hurricane Helene, labeling the misinformation as “dangerous” and demoralizing for aid workers. She emphasized FEMA’s robust support for affected communities and confirmed adequate funds for relief efforts.
FEMA Rebuts Helene Response Claims: Quick Looks
- FEMA Leader’s Statement: Criswell denounces conspiracy theories as “ridiculous and just plain false.”
- Trump’s Role: The former president’s claims create fear, hindering FEMA’s work.
- Funding Clarity: FEMA confirms recent congressional funding covers Helene and other needs.
- Outlandish Rumors: Unfounded theories include weather control and land seizure claims.
- Presidential Support: Biden pledges bipartisan aid and FEMA readies for Hurricane Milton.
FEMA Chief Denounces ‘Dangerous’ Misinformation on Hurricane Helene Aid
Deep Look
As Hurricane Helene’s devastation continues to impact communities from Florida to the Appalachian region, misinformation about FEMA’s response is creating significant challenges. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, speaking on Sunday, called out these rumors, warning that they are “demoralizing” the agency’s workforce and instilling fear among those most in need of assistance.
“It’s frankly ridiculous, and just plain false. This kind of rhetoric is not helpful to people,” Criswell stated, expressing disappointment in how misinformation has complicated the aid effort. The federal disaster agency has been actively coordinating with state and local officials, particularly in North Carolina, to assist the hardest-hit areas in the aftermath of the hurricane, which has resulted in a death toll reaching at least 230.
False Claims Spread by Public Figures
Misinformation has been amplified on social media and in certain political circles, where prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump, have suggested FEMA is withholding aid from conservative communities. Trump alleged that FEMA’s resources were diverted to support immigrants and foreign aid to countries like Israel and Ukraine, a claim that FEMA officials have firmly denied. Keith Turi, acting director of FEMA’s Office of Response and Recovery, confirmed that the agency recently received a $20 billion congressional fund, with $8 billion allocated specifically for recovery efforts and projects to mitigate future storm impacts.
Turi noted, “FEMA absolutely has enough money for Helene response right now,” underscoring that funding for domestic disaster relief remains the agency’s top priority. Criswell added that FEMA’s focus is on providing direct assistance to residents and expressed frustration with false narratives that hinder people from seeking help.
Outlandish Theories Gain Traction
Among the conspiracy theories circulating, one of the most alarming was promoted by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who suggested on social media that Hurricane Helene had been “steered” using weather control technology to target Republican regions and sway the upcoming presidential election. Other extremists have claimed the government will seize land from damaged communities. Criswell expressed grave concern about these statements, particularly as they discourage individuals from registering for FEMA aid or engaging with recovery resources.
FEMA’s Commitment and Bipartisan Approach
Criswell emphasized the bipartisan nature of FEMA’s operations and dismissed the notion that political affiliations influence aid distribution. President Joe Biden supported FEMA’s stance, releasing a statement promising to work “hand-in-hand with local and state leaders – regardless of political party and no matter how long it takes” to help affected communities. Biden’s message aims to counteract misinformation and reassure the public of FEMA’s commitment to supporting all impacted residents.
With Hurricane Milton now gathering strength in the Gulf of Mexico, FEMA’s focus is also shifting toward proactive measures to support Florida, where the hurricane could bring major impacts. Criswell stated, “We’re working with the state there to understand what their requirements are going to be, so we can have those in place before it makes landfall.”
FEMA’s clear dedication to emergency response and Criswell’s strong stance against false information are intended to reassure the public that the agency is focused solely on delivering support to communities in need.
