In a world where many of Donald Trump’s supporters take his words as gospel, outlandish conspiracy theories about the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and disaster relief have exacerbated the chaos following hurricanes Helene and Milton.
A caller on “The Dan Abrams Show” on Sirius/XM shared how his father-in-law, living in flood-stricken Asheville, North Carolina, is refusing FEMA aid due to a belief that accepting it would allow the federal government to take ownership of his home.
“It’s really frustrating, and I don’t understand how so many people are under the influence of this con man,” said the caller, identified as Anthony. “I don’t get it.”
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Anthony was referring to the GOP presidential nominee, who has made conspiracy theories a key part of his re-election campaign. Trump and his followers, using X (formerly Twitter) as their main platform, have spread numerous baseless rumors about a sinister federal government allegedly responsible for the hurricanes or being unresponsive to them. Some even claim that FEMA officials are hindering search and rescue operations.
The misinformation campaign began last month after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage in parts of the South, areas known to be Trump strongholds.
Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted last week, “Yes, they can control the weather,” suggesting it’s absurd to deny such capabilities.
Yes they can control the weather.
It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done.— Marjorie Taylor Greene 🇺🇸 (@mtgreenee) October 4, 2024
Trump then claimed, without evidence, that Democrats were withholding aid from Republican areas hardest hit by Helene. He alleged that President Joe Biden was ignoring calls from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, despite both confirming they had communicated earlier that day.
Further politicizing the storm, Trump and his supporters have claimed that FEMA is bankrupt and only provides $750 in total financial assistance, which is just the initial payout. They also allege that FEMA’s funds are being diverted to help illegal immigrants, including a program to get noncitizens to vote.
The conspiracy that FEMA will seize land from survivors originated from the 2023 Maui wildfires. It gained traction in Florida, complicating efforts to encourage evacuations.
“Spreading lies like this could have serious consequences,” tweeted Christina Pushaw, spokeswoman for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. She warned that those spreading misinformation were “putting their own lives (and the lives of first responders) at grave risk.”
However, warnings mean little to some if they contradict Trump.
“He lost almost everything, and he’s refusing all help from the federal government, complaining that he doesn’t have food or necessities, yet he won’t accept help,” Anthony told Abrams.
His father-in-law “just believes Trump,” he continued. “What are we supposed to do? People are begging us to get him to accept help, and he won’t. I guarantee I’m not the only one.”
It’s unclear how many people are resisting aid due to these conspiracy theories, but they have certainly added stress to already devastating situations.
Some Republicans in these storm-affected areas have felt the need to counter the lies, though they avoid mentioning Trump’s role in spreading them.
“We have seen a level of support unmatched by most other disasters nationwide; but amidst all the support, we have also seen an increase in untrustworthy sources trying to create chaos by spreading hoaxes, conspiracy theories, and hearsay about hurricane response efforts across our mountains,” said conservative congressman Chuck Edwards (R-NC) in a statement.
“Hurricane Helene was NOT geoengineered by the government to seize and access lithium deposits in Chimney Rock,” Edwards stated. “Nobody can control the weather,” adding that while current geoengineering technology can mitigate some negative effects, “it cannot be used to create or manipulate hurricanes.”
The spread of falsehoods has also led to fears of violence. NPR reported that one post on X warned that FEMA employees would be shot if they “continue blocking/seizing aid.” Another post, since removed, called for militias to resist FEMA, each receiving over a million views.
“We’re literally at the point where, like, screw them,” Anthony lamented. “If they’re going to listen to Alex Jones, Tucker Carlson, and Sean Hannity over us, who have his best interest at heart, or my wife, my poor wife is like, the hell with them.”
“He’s a cult member,” Anthony continued. “I’m sorry to say it. He’s a cult member. And he’s my father-in-law, and it sucks.”