President Joe Biden delivered a strong denouncement of misinformation circulating in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and as Florida braces for Hurricane Milton. He specifically called out former President Donald Trump and GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for promoting false rumors.
Biden expressed concern over the reckless spread of disinformation and outright lies, emphasizing the negative impact on rescue and recovery efforts. He highlighted the importance of maintaining confidence in ongoing relief work and the detrimental effects of false claims on those in need.
The president directly addressed Trump's role in perpetuating falsehoods, citing misleading statements about storm victims receiving only $750 for recovery. Biden dismissed such claims as baseless and urged the public to disregard them.
Furthermore, Biden criticized Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for suggesting that the federal government controls the weather, labeling the assertion as absurd. He emphasized the need to combat increasingly bizarre claims and uphold the integrity of accurate information.
Throughout his address, Biden underscored the importance of combating misinformation and ensuring that accurate details are disseminated to the public. He urged individuals to rely on credible sources and refrain from spreading false information that could hinder relief efforts.
The president's remarks serve as a call to action against the proliferation of misinformation during times of crisis, emphasizing the need for unity and factual accuracy in addressing natural disasters and their aftermath.