The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is being hit with severe backlash as Hurricane Helene’s death toll surpasses 200. Critics, including prominent figures like Elon Musk and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), are accusing the agency of hindering crucial relief efforts.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, revealed that one of his engineers reported FEMA’s interference with the deployment of Starlink satellite internet in areas devastated by the hurricane, particularly in Asheville, North Carolina. The engineer claims that FEMA has not only been delaying the delivery of Starlink equipment but also restricting the distribution of local aid by requiring escorts for shipments, preventing supplies from reaching those in need.
Gaetz has also voiced his concerns about FEMA’s response to the disaster. According to whistleblower accounts, the congressman argues that the agency’s management of the crisis has been chaotic. He alleges that responders, including personnel from the Department of Defense, have been left without clear orders, leaving them stranded in North Carolina without contributing to the relief efforts.
In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Gaetz called for accountability, accusing FEMA of mishandling funds intended for pre-disaster preparation. He questioned whether resources meant for the hurricane’s victims were diverted to other priorities, such as supporting migrants. The congressman emphasized that FEMA’s lack of preparation and delayed responses significantly worsened the devastation in the region.
Secretary Mayorkas has previously admitted that FEMA is struggling with financial challenges. He revealed that $1.4 billion has been allocated over the past two years to manage the influx of illegal immigrants — a move that has drawn scrutiny given the apparent lack of disaster relief funding.
As the situation continues to unfold, victims of Hurricane Helene are left in dire need while questions about FEMA’s effectiveness and resource management continue to grow.
