Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spoke on to Elon Musk Friday on the billionaire's X platform, a part of an effort to counter false conspiracies about federal catastrophe aid for victims of Hurricane Helene that Musk unfold on X, the place his follower depend stands over 200 million.
“No one is shutting down the airspace and FAA doesn't block legitimate rescue and recovery flights,” wrote Buttigieg. “If you're encountering a problem give me a call.”
Buttigieg was replying to a submit from Musk that falsely claimed the Federal Aviation Administration was shutting down airspace within the catastrophe zone and “throttling” flights transporting provides.
An FAA spokesperson advised CNBC, “There are no airspace restrictions in place in North Carolina as rescue efforts continue because of Hurricane Helene. Pilots looking to come into Asheville or Rutherford airports need to reach out to the airport for permission to land. The FAA is working with local authorities to ensure rescue efforts happen safely.”
Musk's false declare was one in every of several conspiracies Musk has unfold about federal emergency personnel this week, as tens of 1000's of individuals flip to authorities businesses for catastrophe reduction in states hard-hit by Helene.
“@FEMA is not merely failing to adequately help people in trouble, but is actively blocking citizens who try to help!” Musk stated in an obvious textual content message inside his social submit.
A spokeswoman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency responded to Musk in an announcement to CNBC: “The claims about FEMA confiscating or taking commodities, supplies or resources in North Carolina, Tennessee, or any state impacted by Helene are false,” stated public affairs director Jaclyn Rothenberg.
FEMA has deployed Starlinks earlier than to help in catastrophe response in locations like Guam, Hawaii and Alaska, she famous. In storm-ravaged North Carolina, Starlink items are supporting state and native governments, city search and rescue and catastrophe coordination efforts.
Musk has formally endorsed Republican former President Donald Trump, and he has turn out to be a mega donor to the GOP in recent times.
On Friday, Trump amplified Musk's false claims about FEMA and FAA on Trump's personal social media platform, Truth Social, the place he posted them with out remark to his almost 8 million followers.
Musk's SpaceX and its satellite tv for pc web service model Starlink, have beforehand stated that they might ship roughly 500 Starlink kits, donated by non-public people and organizations, to assist with the Helene restoration efforts. They additionally made Starlink web service free for users for 30 days in areas devastated by Helene.
This was after FEMA had previously announced it was dispatching SpaceX's Starlink terminals to convey web providers to distant areas hit by the storm.
Musk steadily makes use of X to impress — however in lashing out at FEMA on Friday, he escalated his battle with the U.S. authorities.
He has beforehand threatened to sue the Federal Aviation Administration, attacked the Environmental Protection Agency for penalizing SpaceX, and lashed out at different federal businesses.
Musk's SpaceX relies upon upon federal businesses for what quantities to billions of {dollars} in annual income, and his automaker Tesla has handsomely benefitted from federal packages that gave the corporate an important mortgage, tax breaks and different subsidies and incentives.
People who've suffered loss or harm as a result of Tropical Storm Helene in designated counties, can apply for presidency help utilizing the FEMA app, which might be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play Store, by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
— NBC's Cristian Santana contributed reporting
