FEMA is under fire as the death toll from Hurricane Helene climbs past 200, with accusations that the agency has mismanaged the disaster response. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) are among the most vocal critics, accusing FEMA of delaying much-needed aid to victims.
Musk shared reports from one of his engineers who claimed FEMA was obstructing the deployment of Starlink satellite internet, essential for communication in the aftermath of the hurricane. The engineer reported that FEMA not only delayed Starlink’s distribution but also required escorts for shipments, which slowed down aid delivery to disaster-struck areas like Asheville, North Carolina.
Gaetz also raised concerns about FEMA’s handling of the crisis. He referenced whistleblower reports alleging that emergency responders, including those from the Department of Defense, were left idle without clear deployment instructions. Gaetz penned a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, accusing FEMA of diverting disaster relief funds to aid illegal immigrants instead of hurricane victims.
Secretary Mayorkas has previously confirmed that FEMA has faced budget challenges, admitting that $1.4 billion had been allocated over two years to address illegal immigration. Critics argue that these funds should have been used to prepare for natural disasters like Hurricane Helene, which has devastated communities across the southeastern US.
As the situation unfolds, FEMA is being pressured to explain its actions and how resources were managed in the lead-up to and aftermath of the deadly storm.
