In a recent interview, Congressman Chuck Edwards, who represents North Carolina’s 11th district, voiced his strong objection to the conspiracy theories surrounding Hurricane Helene that have been propagated by some members of his own Republican Party, including former President Donald Trump. His remarks come as the region works to recover from the storm’s severe devastation.

Edwards highlighted the critical role of accurate information and praised the Biden administration’s disaster response. “The level of support we received has been unmatched compared to other disasters across the nation,” he stated, directly refuting claims made by Trump and others who have criticized governmental efforts.

The congressman condemned what he called “outrageous rumors” that he believes are obstructing recovery in affected areas. In his official press release titled “Debunking Helene Response Myths,” he dispelled several misconceptions, beginning with a straightforward assertion: “Hurricane Helene was NOT geo-engineered by the government to seize lithium deposits in Chimney Rock.” He supported his position by referencing experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, emphasizing that weather patterns cannot be manipulated.

Although Edwards did not specifically name those responsible for circulating the conspiracy theories, he addressed the broader issue of misinformation that has gained traction online. This stance sharply contrasts with comments from far-right Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who recently suggested to her followers that weather control is indeed feasible.

Further clarifying the situation, Edwards stated, “FEMA has NOT diverted disaster response funding to the border or foreign aid.” He explained that the $750 allocated to disaster survivors was just an initial measure within a larger assistance program, dismissing claims that funds had been misappropriated.

These rumors have been echoed by Trump, who accused President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris of purposely withholding aid from Republican-led areas. Elon Musk, a prominent Trump supporter, has also faced scrutiny for spreading misinformation to his extensive social media audience. Recently, Musk claimed, “FEMA used up its budget ferrying illegals into the country instead of saving American lives,” further complicating the narrative regarding the hurricane response.

Amid the social media chaos, Edwards urged the public to critically evaluate the information they find online. He cautioned, “Not everything you see on Facebook, X, or other platforms is factual. It’s crucial to verify what you read with credible sources.”

Edwards is not alone in advocating for responsible communication regarding the hurricane; fellow Republican state senator Kevin Corbin has also called on his constituents to help eliminate misleading information.

As FEMA continues to address the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Keith Turi, the agency’s acting associate administrator for response and recovery, remarked on the harmful effects of misinformation. “It reduces the likelihood that survivors will trust FEMA enough to seek assistance,” he noted, underscoring the necessity of accurate portrayals of the situation.