How the Right is Hurting Helene Victims

By Greg Collier

As Hurricane Helene’s devastation leaves behind a trail of destruction, with businesses, homes, and whole communities wiped out, hundreds of lives lost, and scores of people still missing, one might assume that the focus of national discourse would be on recovery and relief. Instead, the response to this natural disaster has become yet another battleground for political agendas, with the far-right exploiting the tragedy to push misinformation, conspiracy theories, and false narratives. This politicization is not only damaging to public trust, but it is also deeply harmful to those who need help the most, the victims of the hurricane.

From the outset, former President Donald Trump and various right-wing figures have used their platforms to distort the facts surrounding the federal government’s response to Hurricane Helene. Trump, in particular, has been one of the leading voices in spreading false claims about the Biden administration’s handling of the disaster. Over the span of just six days, he has endorsed a string of unsubstantiated claims, from baseless accusations that FEMA is withholding aid from Republican areas, to wild conspiracy theories about weather control technology being used to steer the hurricane toward GOP voters. These claims not only deflect from the real crisis at hand but also erode the credibility of the institutions working tirelessly to help those in need.

One of Trump’s most damaging falsehoods was his assertion that FEMA is deliberately withholding resources from Republican-leaning regions. This claim, despite being swiftly debunked by officials, including Republican Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia and Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina, continues to circulate, fanning the flames of division. By spreading these lies, Trump and others are undermining the critical work being done by federal, state, and local agencies. Worse, they are sowing doubt and distrust among victims, some of whom may hesitate to seek help due to the belief that the system is rigged against them.

Even more egregious was Trump’s baseless accusation that Vice President Kamala Harris had used FEMA funds to house undocumented immigrants, suggesting that aid meant for hurricane victims had been diverted for political gain. This claim, which has no basis in reality, was a deliberate attempt to stoke anti-immigrant sentiment while deflecting attention from the actual relief efforts. FEMA’s disaster relief funds are strictly allocated for natural disaster response, while the separate funding for housing migrants is entirely unrelated. By conflating these two issues, Trump is manipulating the narrative to fit his political agenda, even if it means misleading the public and obstructing the recovery process.

The implications of this disinformation campaign are grave. As right-wing media outlets and figures like Alex Jones amplify Trump’s lies, the focus shifts away from the real stories of loss and recovery on the ground. Conspiracy theories about FEMA “seizing” private donations, the government plotting to bulldoze communities, or helicopters being withheld from rescue efforts are not just distracting, they actively harm the recovery efforts. Time and resources that should be dedicated to helping victims are instead spent debunking falsehoods and responding to unfounded accusations.

State officials from both parties have condemned this politicization of disaster response. Republican state Sen. Kevin Corbin of North Carolina urged his constituents to ignore the “conspiracy theory junk” spreading on social media, pleading for people to focus on recovery instead of divisive rhetoric. Meanwhile, Glenn Jacobs, the Republican mayor of Knox County, Tennessee, similarly called out the dangerous rumors, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation in the face of such a massive crisis.

The truth is that Hurricane Helene’s impact has transcended political boundaries, affecting people of all parties and walks of life. Republican and Democratic leaders alike have praised FEMA’s response and the federal aid flowing into the hardest-hit areas. For example, Republican South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster commended the federal government’s support, describing it as “superb.” Yet, these positive assessments are being drowned out by the cacophony of conspiracy theories pushed by the far-right, whose focus remains on scoring political points rather than supporting those in need.

The politicization of this disaster is especially harmful in an election year, where tensions are already high and trust in government is fragile. While Trump continues to falsely claim that the federal response has been intentionally inadequate in Republican areas, the reality on the ground tells a very different story. North Carolina, one of the hardest-hit states, has seen a massive mobilization of federal and state resources, including the deployment of thousands of National Guard members, search and rescue teams, and millions of dollars in immediate aid. Helicopters crisscross the skies, rescuing stranded residents and delivering critical supplies. This is the truth, not the distorted version being sold by political opportunists.

In times of disaster, unity and cooperation are paramount. When lives are at stake, political grandstanding should take a back seat to the urgent need for assistance and recovery. Unfortunately, the far-right’s relentless barrage of misinformation is diverting attention from the real crisis, leaving victims caught in the crossfire. Rather than rallying together to rebuild and support those who have lost everything, the politicization of Hurricane Helene is deepening divisions and undermining the very relief efforts that could save lives.

As the recovery continues, it is crucial for all Americans to reject the lies and conspiracy theories being peddled for political gain. Instead, we must focus on helping those who need it most, ensuring that no one is left behind, regardless of their political affiliation. The victims of Hurricane Helene deserve our support, not our divisive rhetoric. The truth must prevail, and with it, the hope for a swift and just recovery.