Elon Musk conspiracies about Helene assist draw rebuke from Buttigieg
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spoke on to Elon Musk Friday on the billionaire’s X platform, a part of an effort to counter false conspiracies about federal catastrophe assist for victims of Hurricane Helene that Musk unfold on X, the place his follower rely stands over 200 million.
“Nobody is shutting down the airspace and FAA does not block respectable rescue and restoration flights,” wrote Buttigieg. “In case you’re encountering an issue give me a name.”
Buttigieg was replying to a put up from Musk that falsely claimed the Federal Aviation Administration was shutting down airspace within the catastrophe zone and “throttling” flights transporting provides.
An FAA spokesperson advised CNBC, “There are not any airspace restrictions in place in North Carolina as rescue efforts proceed due to Hurricane Helene. Pilots seeking to come into Asheville or Rutherford airports want to succeed in out to the airport for permission to land. The FAA is working with native authorities to make sure rescue efforts occur safely.”
Musk’s false declare was one among several conspiracies Musk has unfold about federal emergency personnel this week, as tens of hundreds of individuals flip to authorities companies for catastrophe reduction in states hard-hit by Helene.
“@FEMA just isn’t merely failing to adequately assist individuals in hassle, however is actively blocking residents who attempt to assist!” Musk mentioned in an obvious textual content message inside his social put up.
A spokeswoman for the Federal Emergency Administration Company responded to Musk in an announcement to CNBC: “The claims about FEMA confiscating or taking commodities, provides or assets in North Carolina, Tennessee, or any state impacted by Helene are false,” mentioned public affairs director Jaclyn Rothenberg.
FEMA has deployed Starlinks earlier than to help in catastrophe response in locations like Guam, Hawaii and Alaska, she famous. In storm-ravaged North Carolina, Starlink items are supporting state and native governments, city search and rescue and catastrophe coordination efforts.
Musk has formally endorsed Republican former President Donald Trump, and he has change into a mega donor to the GOP in recent times.
On Friday, Trump amplified Musk’s false claims about FEMA and FAA on Trump’s personal social media platform, Fact Social, the place he posted them with out remark to his practically 8 million followers.
Musk’s SpaceX and its satellite tv for pc web service model Starlink, have beforehand mentioned that they might ship roughly 500 Starlink kits, donated by personal people and organizations, to assist with the Helene restoration efforts. Additionally they made Starlink web service free for users for 30 days in areas devastated by Helene.
This was after FEMA had previously announced it was dispatching SpaceX’s Starlink terminals to convey web companies to distant areas hit by the storm.
Musk incessantly makes use of X to impress — however in lashing out at FEMA on Friday, he escalated his battle with the U.S. authorities.
He has beforehand threatened to sue the Federal Aviation Administration, attacked the Environmental Safety Company for penalizing SpaceX, and lashed out at different federal companies.
Musk’s SpaceX relies upon upon federal companies for what quantities to billions of {dollars} in annual income, and his automaker Tesla has handsomely benefitted from federal packages that gave the corporate a vital mortgage, tax breaks and different subsidies and incentives.
Individuals who have suffered loss or harm resulting from Tropical Storm Helene in designated counties, can apply for presidency help utilizing the FEMA app, which may be downloaded from the Apple Retailer or Google Play Retailer, by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
— NBC’s Cristian Santana contributed reporting
