President Joe Biden has accused Donald Trump for leading an “onslaught of lies” that authorities warn is hampering hurricane recovery efforts and putting lives at risk.
As Hurricane Milton barrelled toward Florida’s west coast on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT), the president used a briefing from federal officials to rebuke the misinformation being peddled regarding Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, declaring: “this has to stop”.
“Former president Trump has led the onslaught of lies,” he said.
“Assertions have been made that property is being confiscated – that’s simply not true.
“They’re saying people impacted by these storms, received $750 in cash and no more. That’s simply not true.
“They’re saying the money is needed for this crisis is being diverted to migrants. What a ridiculous thing to say; it’s not true.
“Now the claims are getting even more bizarre. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a congresswoman in Georgia, is now saying the federal government is literally controlling the weather.
“We’re controlling the weather? It’s beyond ridiculous. It’s got to stop.“
Biden’s comments came after Trump and others baselessly claimed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene that the government was purposely withholding aid to Republican hurricane victims while the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was redirecting disaster relief funds to migrants.
Taylor Greene, who is one of Trump’s most loyal supporters in the US Congress, also shared a conspiracy theory with her 1.2 million followers on X suggesting that the government was somehow responsible for the Hurricane.
“Yes they can control the weather. It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done,” she wrote, in a post that has received widespread condemnation.
President Joe Biden speaks during a briefing about preparations for Hurricane Milton and the response to Hurricane Helene.Credit: AP
