The Biden administration has launched a vigorous campaign to clear the air regarding Hurricane Helene relief efforts, with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stepping up to address rampant rumors that are causing more panic than the actual storms. In a bit of classic government communication, she assures those affected that no one is at risk of losing their land or homes due to failure to repay relief funds. Criswell insists these terrifying tales are nothing more than exaggerated fictions, aimed at keeping folks from applying for much-needed assistance.
The story begins with the so-called “misinformation” swirling around like the winds of a hurricane itself. Criswell is eager to knock down these myths faster than a tree falls in a storm. She specifically pointed out that people who apply for the initial assistance get cash upfront for immediate needs—not an eviction notice masquerading as a check. Rumors that accepting assistance might end in home forfeiture are reportedly doing more harm than waterlogged rooftops.
FEMA chief Deanne Criswell says rumors about land seizure are ‘demoralizing’ and ‘damaging’ storm relief https://t.co/IiXfPPwoZq pic.twitter.com/TMc5PRCjMi
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) October 10, 2024
Further complicating the narrative is the broader context of the disaster response, where Biden’s team is already feeling the heat. As they scramble to manage the fallout from Hurricane Helene, they’re also bracing for Hurricane Milton to land in Florida. With the destruction in North Carolina proving to be a massive hurdle, some GOP lawmakers have painted a picture of an administration ill-prepared for what Mother Nature had in store. Apparently, the storm didn’t wait for Biden’s team to muster up their best efforts.
When disaster strikes, one might think communication would flow smoothly, but it seems the administration is all too happy to blame “misinformation” rather than their lack of preparation. Perhaps Criswell should take a page from a more seasoned storm response playbook: if there’s a communication failure, pointing fingers generally doesn’t help the next week’s press conference—especially when disaster relief is on the line.
In the end, Criswell’s messages sound less like an assurance and more like a desperate attempt to spin a narrative that puts the administration in a more favorable light. While she might be calling the rumors damaging, it’s starting to feel like the real damage control that needs addressing is the government’s own inability to handle the relief efforts without conjuring conspiracy theories. With the clock ticking and folks in desperate need of help, maybe it’s time for Washington to show up more than just in spirit.