Hurricane Misinformation Fuels Tensions Ahead of 2024 Election

False claims about Hurricanes Helene and Milton are exacerbating political divides and complicating disaster response efforts.

Conspiracy theories and misinformation about Hurricanes Helene and Milton have spread widely, with figures like Donald Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene promoting unfounded claims.
The misinformation has led to threats against FEMA workers, prompting temporary pauses in aid distribution in areas like North Carolina.
Research indicates potential foreign influence, with China and Russia reportedly amplifying false narratives to sow discord and undermine trust in U.S. institutions.
Polls show Americans are divided on the Biden administration's disaster response, with opinions often split along partisan lines.
Efforts to counter misinformation include FEMA's rumor response webpage and calls from officials to verify information against trusted sources.