Storms Helene and Milton have triggered rise of misinformation stoked by Trump and fellow Republicans

Meteorologists tracking the advance of Hurricane Milton have been targeted by a deluge of conspiracy theories that they were controlling the weather, abuse and even death threats, amid what they say is an unprecedented surge in misinformation as two major hurricanes have hit the US.

A series of falsehoods and threats have swirled in the two weeks since Hurricane Helene tore through six states causing several hundred deaths, followed by Milton crashing into Florida on Wednesday.

The extent of the misinformation, which has been stoked by Donald Trump and his followers, has been such that it has stymied the ability to help hurricane-hit communities, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema).


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  • Tarquinn2049@lemmy.world
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    1 month ago

    I don’t know if I would prefer if they think that is actually the truth, or if they are not crazy and are just lying cuz they think it’ll help the election. One of the logical social rules is to not assume malice when incompetence explains it equally as well. But it’s hard to say in this case. She has already proven she is both incompetent and malicious in equal parts.