Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed false conspiracies spread by Elon Musk on X platform, regarding federal disaster aid for victims of Hurricane Helene. Musk claimed that the FAA was shutting down airspace and restricting flights transporting supplies, which Buttigieg refuted, stating that there were no airspace restrictions in place in North Carolina. Musk’s false claims about FEMA and FAA were also amplified by former President Donald Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social. Musk’s SpaceX and Starlink have donated Starlink kits and made internet service free for 30 days in areas affected by the hurricane.
Musk’s attacks on federal agencies, such as FEMA and the FAA, are part of his ongoing battle with the U.S. government. He has previously threatened to sue the FAA and criticized the EPA for penalizing SpaceX. Despite these confrontations, Musk’s companies, SpaceX and Tesla, rely heavily on federal agencies for revenue and support. SpaceX in particular benefits from government contracts and partnerships, while Tesla has received loans, tax breaks, and subsidies.
The response from FEMA regarding Musk’s claims was not immediately available, but the agency has been involved in providing assistance to those affected by Hurricane Helene. People in designated counties who have suffered loss or damage due to the storm can apply for government assistance through the FEMA app, DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the designated phone number. Musk’s SpaceX has also been involved in providing internet services to remote areas affected by the hurricane through its Starlink terminals.
Musk’s use of X to spread false conspiracies and attack federal agencies highlights his ongoing conflicts with the government. While Musk has publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump and donated to the GOP, his behavior on social media often draws scrutiny and criticism. Despite his confrontations with federal agencies, Musk’s companies continue to rely on government support and partnerships for their operations and success.
Overall, the exchange between Buttigieg and Musk regarding false claims about federal disaster aid for Hurricane Helene sheds light on Musk’s ongoing battles with the U.S. government and his reliance on federal support for his companies. Despite Musk’s provocative behavior on social media, his companies, SpaceX and Tesla, continue to benefit from government contracts, loans, and subsidies. The response from FEMA regarding Musk’s claims and the availability of government assistance for those affected by the hurricane underscore the importance of accurate information and support during times of crisis.
