Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is known for his often controversial views, and this time, he has again come under fire for spreading conspiracy theories related to aid for Helene. Helene, which may refer to a crisis or incident that requires international or national assistance, seems to have become a topic of debate after Musk made his comments. This has drawn criticism from Pete Buttigieg, the US Secretary of Transportation, who called the statement misleading and damaging.
Elon Musk and Conspiracy Theory Controversy
Elon Musk has frequently used his social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to voice his views on a variety of global issues. In some cases, he touches on topics related to conspiracy theories or challenges mainstream narratives. In this case, Musk appeared to suggest that there were some things that were not transparent or suspicious about the aid for Helene, which has caused speculation and concern among his followers.
Musk has a large following, with millions of followers on social media. His comments often inspire broad discussion, but they can also spark debates that are not based on facts. This is not the first time Musk has engaged in conspiracy theories—he has previously questioned the official view on COVID-19 and the US election. However, with such a high level of responsibility, Musk has come criticism from some who argue that his views could muddy the waters on sensitive issues such as humanitarian aid.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spoke directly to Elon Musk Friday on the billionaire’s X platform, part of an effort to counter false conspiracies about federal disaster aid for victims of Hurricane Helene that Musk spread on X, where his follower count 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 post from Musk that falsely claimed the Federal Aviation Administration was shutting down airspace in the disaster zone and “throttling” flights transporting supplies.
An FAA spokesperson told 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 claim was one of several conspiracies Musk has spread about federal emergency personnel this week, as tens of thousands of people turn to government agencies for disaster relief 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 said in an apparent text message within his social post.
A spokeswoman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency responded to Musk in a statement 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,” said public affairs director Jaclyn Rothenberg.
FEMA has deployed Starlinks before to assist in disaster response in places like Guam, Hawaii and Alaska, she noted. In storm-ravaged North Carolina, Starlink units are supporting state and local governments, urban search and rescue and disaster coordination efforts.
Musk has formally endorsed Republican former President Donald Trump, and he has become a mega donor to the GOP in recent years.
On Friday, Trump amplified Musk’s false claims about FEMA and FAA on Trump’s own social media platform, Truth Social, where he posted them without comment to his nearly 8 million followers.
Musk’s SpaceX and its satellite internet service brand Starlink, have previously said that they would send approximately 500 Starlink kits, donated by private individuals and organizations, to help with the Helene recovery efforts. They also made Starlink internet 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 bring internet services to remote areas hit by the storm.
Musk frequently uses X to provoke — but in lashing out at FEMA on Friday, he escalated his battle with the U.S. government.
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 depends upon federal agencies for what amounts to billions of dollars in annual revenue, and his automaker Tesla has handsomely benefitted from federal programs that gave the company a crucial loan, tax breaks and other subsidies and incentives.
Pete Buttigieg’s Criticism: A Call for Accountability
Pete Buttigieg, a savvy and progressive politician, was quick to respond to Musk’s comments. As U.S. Transportation Secretary, Buttigieg may not have been directly involved in the Helene relief effort, but his position as a national leader gives him the space to voice criticism of potentially damaging narratives.
Buttigieg called Musk’s comments a dangerous form of disinformation. He emphasized that Helene relief, like all humanitarian efforts, is based on urgent need and transparency. Making baseless speculation can be divisive, undermine public trust, and even slow down efforts to address the crisis.
Buttigieg has been known to push for facts and accuracy in public policy, and he feels that Musk, as a highly influential public figure, should be more accountable for his views. Indeed, in this digital age, false statements can spread quickly and shape public opinion.
The Impact of Spreading Conspiracy Theories
The spread of conspiracy theories, especially by influential figures like Elon Musk, can have far-reaching consequences. In the context of aid for Helene, if the public begins to question the integrity of relief efforts, it can make it harder for international organizations and governments to do their jobs. People who are fed by disinformation can begin to lose trust in the institutions they are supposed to support.
In addition, conspiracy theories often make things worse for those already affected. In the case of humanitarian aid, such theories can hinder aid distribution or create mistrust between affected communities and those providing aid.
Conclusion: The Responsibility of Public Figures
Elon Musk’s comments on aid for Helene and Pete Buttigieg’s critical response demonstrate the importance of being responsible in disseminating information, especially for high-profile public figures. In an era where conspiracy theories can spread quickly on social media, it is important for leaders and prominent figures to be careful about expressing opinions that could influence large numbers of people.
Musk, while free to express his opinion, must be aware of the impact of his words, while Buttigieg has been vocal in his call for the need to sift facts from speculation, especially on humanitarian issues. Moving forward, the role of the media and the public in discussing and responding to these views will be critical to ensuring that correct information informs decisions and actions.
People who have suffered loss or damage due to Tropical Storm Helene in designated counties, can apply for government assistance using the FEMA app, which can 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