“It’s Beyond Ridiculous”: Biden Responds to Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Misinformation on Hurricane Relief
REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has continued to spread misinformation about liberals controlling national disasters, prompting President Joe Biden to publicly call her out during a nationally televised address on Wednesday.
Speaking alongside officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Biden urged those in the path of Category 4 Hurricane Milton to take the threat seriously while directly addressing misinformation from Greene and former President Donald Trump.
“I want to thank the governors,” Biden began, acknowledging their efforts in the face of the hurricane. He then quickly pivoted to dispel false claims: “All of this disinformation going out about how, you know, we’re devoting all of this money to migrants.”
Biden specifically referenced a conspiracy theory circulating online. “Even one congresswoman suggested that I control the weather, implying that I’m sending it to red states. I mean, stuff off the wall. It’s like out of a comic book.” Greene had previously posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Yes, they can control the weather. It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done,” on October 3.
Biden responded to such claims, emphasizing, “It’s beyond ridiculous. It’s got to stop.” The president also addressed Trump’s misleading statements regarding FEMA assistance. He clarified that the $750 checks Trump referenced were not the total amount of aid available but an immediate provision to cover urgent needs like prescriptions. “You lost everything, and you get $750… They give you an immediate what you need to get by the next day to get a prescription to get whatever,” he explained, underlining that further assistance is available for those affected.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas also debunked another false claim from Trump, which suggested that FEMA staff were seizing people’s land. Mayorkas emphasized that this was not true and highlighted how such misinformation undermines the efforts of those on the ground trying to provide assistance.
The administration’s response aims to counter the ongoing spread of falsehoods surrounding disaster relief efforts and ensure accurate information reaches those impacted by Hurricane Milton. As misinformation continues to circulate, Biden’s direct remarks underscore the importance of separating facts from conspiracy theories to support those in need effectively.
