'Frankly Ridiculous:' Trump’s Misinformation About FEMA Stokes Fear, Complicating Relief Efforts. Social Media Posts Call For Militia's To Confront Agency Workers.

Misinformation about Hurricane Helene, spread by Donald Trump and others, complicates relief efforts in devastated regions. The storm has caused at least 230 deaths and left areas without essential services like electricity and water. False claims, such as diverted FEMA funds to migrants, have been debunked by FEMA and the Biden administration. FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell stated that the claims were frankly ridiculous and that the misinformation created fear and hampered recovery. Social media posts have called for militias to confront FEMA workers and included antisemitic attacks on Asheville's mayor.