Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spoke directly to Elon Musk on the billionaire’s X platform on Friday, a move to push back against concerns about federal disaster aid for victims false conspiracy. Hurricane Helen Musk spread the word on X, where he has more than 200 million followers.
“No one is closing airspace and the FAA is not blocking legitimate rescue and recovery flights,” Buttigieg wrote. “If you have a problem, please call me.”
Buttigieg was responding to a post from Musk that falsely claimed the Federal Aviation Administration was closing airspace in disaster areas and “restricting” flights transporting supplies.
An FAA spokesperson told CNBC: “Due to Hurricane Helene, relief efforts are continuing and there are no airspace restrictions in North Carolina. Pilots wishing to enter Asheville or Rutherford airports will need to contact the airport to obtain permission to land. Federal Aviation Administration The aviation authority is working with local authorities to ensure rescue efforts are carried out safely.
Musk’s false claims are one of several conspiracies Musk this week spread the word about federal emergency responders, as tens of thousands of people in hard-hit states turned to government agencies for disaster assistance. Helen.
“@FEMA Not only does it fail to adequately help those in distress, but it actively blocks citizens who try to help! ” Musk said in an apparent text message in a social post.
Representatives for the Federal Emergency Management Agency were not immediately available for comment Friday.
Musk has officially endorsed former Republican President Donald Trump, and has become a huge donor to the Republican Party in recent years.
Friday, Trump Amplifies Musk’s false claims Trump posted information about FEMA and the FAA on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he posted the information but did not comment to his nearly 8 million followers.
Musk’s SpaceX and its satellite network service brand Starlink have previously said they will send approximately 500 Starlink Kitsdonated by private individuals and organizations to aid Helen’s recovery efforts. They also provide Starlink network service Free for users Lasted for 30 days in the area destroyed by Helen.
This is after FEMA previously announced It is sending SpaceX’s Starlink terminals to provide internet service to remote areas hit by the storm.
Musk often uses the
He has previously threatened to sue the Federal Aviation Administration, attacked the Environmental Protection Agency for penalizing SpaceX, and lashed out at other federal agencies.
Musk’s SpaceX relies on federal agencies for billions of dollars in annual revenue, while his automaker Tesla has benefited significantly from federal programs that have provided the company with important loans, tax breaks and Other subsidies and incentives.
People who suffered loss or damage from Tropical Storm Helen in designated counties can apply for government assistance using the FEMA app, which can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play Store, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, or call 1-800-621-3362.
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