In a recent press conference, President Joe Biden addressed the impending threat of Hurricane Milton approaching Florida, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation while also tackling conspiracy theories surrounding the storm. Specifically, he took aim at Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s claims that the federal government has the ability to control the weather, who said on social media that her assertion “can’t be done” was ridiculous. Biden labeled Greene’s comments as “beyond ridiculous” and stressed that such misinformation must cease, particularly as the storm poised to hit Florida could lead to catastrophic consequences for the region.
Greene’s provocative statements drew swift criticism from her own party members, most notably Rep. Carlos Giménez of Florida, who pointed out that humans cannot create or control hurricanes. Along with the discussions about weather conspiracies, Biden held a virtual briefing that updated him on Hurricane Milton. In this meeting, he reiterated the dangers posed by severe weather and called out the reckless spread of misinformation that could undermine emergency response efforts. He accused former President Donald Trump of exacerbating the situation through the propagation of lies that threaten recovery efforts post-disaster.
In addition to debunking Greene’s claims, Biden addressed other false narratives that have circulated, such as allegations concerning financial aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and suggestions that property confiscation was occurring in the aftermath of hurricanes. He emphasized the need for truth in communications regarding federal disaster relief to avoid public panic and confusion. Biden dismissed claims about monetary assistance being redirected to migrants as outrageous and false, responding to what he called an “onslaught of lies” affecting the public’s perception of government actions during crises.
Biden’s comments also highlighted the historical context surrounding weather modification, specifically cloud seeding. While acknowledging limited efforts in weather alteration, he pointed out that existing technology does not allow for the control of massive weather systems like hurricanes. This type of modification has been practiced in specific regions, particularly in the Western United States, to address drought conditions but falls short of the dramatic assertions made by conspiracy theorists. Moreover, while discussions about geoengineering and its implications continue among scientists, Biden noted there is no substantial evidence supporting any large-scale programs aimed at altering climate patterns.
The spread of misinformation surrounding Hurricane Milton has prompted FEMA to launch a dedicated website to address rumors and provide accurate information about disaster response efforts. Officials from both the Biden administration and some Republican lawmakers have invoked a united front against false claims, illustrating a collective need for reliable information during emergencies. Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina also condemned narratives suggesting that the government engineered the hurricane for ulterior motives, illustrating a pushback against conspiracy theories that could hinder governmental aid.
As the storm escalated, Biden disclosed his communication with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, emphasizing a cooperative relationship amidst the crisis. He stated that DeSantis has expressed gratitude for the federal response to the disaster and has been gracious in their discussions. Biden noted the importance of maintaining open lines of communication among state and federal officials to ensure effective coordination in emergency situations, particularly as the impact of Hurricane Milton unfolds in regions that are already vulnerable to destruction and loss.
