Conspiracy theories about hurricane aid could be fatal
The Independent|October 11, 2024
America is diving headfirst into a maelstrom – and I’m not just talking about Hurricane Milton, the “worst storm in 100 years”. Watching Donald Trump, JD Vance and Elon Musk spread viral conspiracy theories about my agency’s (the Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as Fema) response to Hurricane Helene feels like not just a personal attack on first responders like me, but also a blatant assault on disaster relief, turning a lifesaving mission into a bitter political battleground.
NATHALIE BEASNAEL
Conspiracy theories about hurricane aid could be fatal

Musk’s ludicrous claims that Fema blocked donations, maliciously closed off local airspace, or even “treasonously” diverted funds to “ferry illegals” are utterly baseless and have been flatly denied by both my organisation and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Similarly, Trump’s absurd accusations that funds – ringfenced specifically for disaster relief – were funnelled to house illegal migrants, or that Democrats are intentionally neglecting Republican areas in disaster-hit North Carolina, are needlessly instigating an epidemic of doubt and distrust plaguing ordinary Americans.

But their dalliance with wild conspiracies obscures a disturbing truth that pushes essential federal agencies to the point of collapse. The fact is Fema, much like our nation’s ailing infrastructure, has been systematically underfunded for years. Just this week the US Homeland Security secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, warned that we do not have enough funding to get through the hurricane season – which has rapidly escalated in a matter of days.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Our federal agencies have been crippled after years of neglect and politically motivated budget cuts – much of which was supercharged under Trump.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE INDEPENDENTView all
Who Cares Who Has The Elgin Marbles? Let Them Go On Loan
The Independent

Who Cares Who Has The Elgin Marbles? Let Them Go On Loan

After a series of "private meetings" between the UK and Greece this week, prime ministers Keir Starmer and Kyriakos Mitsotakis were to meet in London yesterday to discuss the future of the Elgin marbles.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 04, 2024
Trump's Tariffs Would 'Hit UK Trade As Hard As Brexit'
The Independent

Trump's Tariffs Would 'Hit UK Trade As Hard As Brexit'

Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs could hit UK trade with the US as badly as Brexit affected trade with the EU, a leading think tank has warned as campaigners call for Sir Keir Starmer to protect the UK by urgently rebuilding ties with Europe.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 04, 2024
Taliban Bars Women From Being Trained As Midwives
The Independent

Taliban Bars Women From Being Trained As Midwives

Women in Afghanistan have been banned from training to become midwives in the latest crackdown unveiled by the Taliban.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 04, 2024
South Korean Leader Calls Off Martial Law After Uproar
The Independent

South Korean Leader Calls Off Martial Law After Uproar

MPs vote against decree as violent protests outside National Assembly turn to celebration following reversal by president

time-read
3 mins  |
December 04, 2024
EU Or The US? Starmer Has No Choice But To Pick A Side
The Independent

EU Or The US? Starmer Has No Choice But To Pick A Side

The prime minister opened his Mansion House speech on foreign policy with another of his over-emphatic declarations.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 04, 2024
Brexit Deals A £3bn-A-Year Blow To UK Food Exports
The Independent

Brexit Deals A £3bn-A-Year Blow To UK Food Exports

British food sales to the EU have fallen by almost a fifth since the end of the Brexit transition period, a new report shows

time-read
4 mins  |
December 03, 2024
Biden Criticised Across The Board For Pardoning His Son
The Independent

Biden Criticised Across The Board For Pardoning His Son

President’s decision slated by Republicans and Democrats

time-read
3 mins  |
December 03, 2024
Why 8 hours is a myth and other athletes' sleep secrets
The Independent

Why 8 hours is a myth and other athletes' sleep secrets

Performance coach Greg Meehan tells Alex Pattle how he keeps clients, including boxers and footballers, in top shape

time-read
4 mins  |
December 03, 2024
Women like me won't stand for this treatment any more
The Independent

Women like me won't stand for this treatment any more

When I woke up to MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace blaming midlife, middle-class women and their lack of a sense of humour for his troubles, I confess to swearing at my phone.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 03, 2024
The BBC's Wallace problem goes beyond MasterChef
The Independent

The BBC's Wallace problem goes beyond MasterChef

Is the fate of a television cookery presenter more important than Syrian insurgents seizing Aleppo and the turmoil on the streets in Georgia? The BBC thinks so, based on its news judgements in recent days, which have seen exhaustive coverage of the accusations against Gregg Wallace take precedence over matters of life and death around the world.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 03, 2024