Misinformation is nothing new to disasters, particularly high-profile ones. Conspiracy theories about FEMA have existed for about as long as the agency has been around. What is alarming, however, is the volume and spread of the lies, and their amplification by notable individuals and public figures. The rise in conspiracy theories, claiming our government is behind these disasters to suppress votes or that FEMA disaster funding was used towards undocumented migrants versus the current relief efforts, is dangerous and harmful.
These claims defy reason and are categorically false. They are antithetical to FEMA’s mission to help people before, during and after disasters. The FEMA administrator called the lies “demoralizing” to the communities they serve and her teams in the field supporting them, with good reason. The lies jeopardize recovery for individuals and their communities as well as the safety of the teams executing FEMA’s mission.
While the sheer volume of misinformation is likely to subside after November, the mistruths may endure. Leadership in this moment, more than ever, requires putting people above political or personal gain. This type of selfless leadership is exactly what one sees on the ground after a disaster like Hurricane Helene, when every level of government works side-by-side with non-profit, philanthropic and private sector partners to do all they can to help their fellow Americans.
All levels of governmental officials representing the impacted areas, regardless of affiliation, continue to fight back against misinformation to support their constituents and their recovery. This is what leadership looks like, in a time when survivors and their communities need it most.