Foreign Actors Amplify Misinformation on U.S. Hurricane Relief Efforts

U.S. officials report that Russian, Chinese, and Cuban operatives have spread false claims about disaster response to Hurricanes Milton and Helene.

The misinformation campaign includes AI-generated images, such as a fake flooded Disney World, shared by Russian state media.
Chinese-linked accounts falsely claimed U.S. foreign spending undermined disaster support, using manipulated images of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Cuban narratives suggested U.S. aid to Israel and Ukraine diverted resources from hurricane relief, echoing Russian and Chinese messaging.
The White House and FEMA have faced challenges countering the misinformation, which has complicated relief efforts and fueled criticism of the Biden administration.
Kremlin officials have denied the U.S. accusations, dismissing them as routine blame against Russia.