Misinformation, FEMA, and Hurricane Helene: Trump’s Tactics Echo Russian Cognitive Warfare

Christian Baghai
5 min readOct 9, 2024

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Donald Trump’s recent claims that FEMA has diverted disaster relief funds from Hurricane Helene to immigration programs is a striking example of a tactic commonly observed in Russian disinformation campaigns. By asserting that FEMA prioritized aid for migrants over American citizens affected by the hurricane, Trump has managed to sow confusion and distrust during a period where federal trust and response are crucial. His rhetoric mirrors Russian cognitive warfare strategies that deliberately aim to erode public confidence in government institutions through misinformation campaigns designed to suggest incompetence or corruption.

Trump’s allegations have circulated widely, especially across social media and conservative news outlets, where they’ve been echoed and amplified by influential supporters. This amplification is reminiscent of a Russian tactic that leverages high-profile voices to spread divisive narratives. The claim that FEMA’s disaster funds were “stolen” for migrant aid has led to a distorted view of FEMA’s actual responsibilities and operations. FEMA has clarified that its disaster relief funds are separate from the Shelter and Services Program, which provides support to cities handling migrant influxes. Yet, the ongoing spread of this misinformation detracts from FEMA’s disaster response efforts, which include over $20 million in aid and essential supplies to the storm-affected regions.

Trump’s framing of FEMA as part of a politically biased federal agenda taps into another tactic often seen in Russian cognitive warfare: the creation of an “us vs. them” narrative. By painting FEMA as complicit in a partisan scheme, these allegations work to deepen public divisions. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has spoken out against this disinformation, highlighting its “demoralizing” and “dangerous” effects on both relief workers and affected communities. Many people, influenced by these claims, may hesitate to seek aid, distrust the aid they receive, or even reject it altogether — a devastating outcome during disaster recovery.

The misinformation campaign extends beyond simple allegations of fund misallocation. Trump and his supporters have blended cultural and social grievances with FEMA’s disaster response, incorporating unrelated issues like immigration and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs. This type of rhetoric distorts the role of FEMA, portraying it as an agency more focused on social initiatives than disaster recovery. By targeting these hot-button topics, Trump’s narrative taps into preexisting socio-political tensions, stirring public anger and redirecting frustrations toward FEMA’s relief efforts.

FEMA, in response, has tried to clarify its role as a logistical coordinator rather than a direct first responder. The agency’s primary function is to coordinate disaster relief efforts with state and local agencies, not to act as the first boots on the ground. Misunderstandings of this role have fed conspiracy theories that FEMA is withholding resources or mishandling recovery — a misconception that FEMA has sought to correct. However, these misunderstandings complicate FEMA’s efforts, forcing the agency to combat false narratives while simultaneously providing life-saving aid to hurricane survivors.

The broader implications of this misinformation campaign extend well beyond FEMA’s reputation. By casting doubt on FEMA’s ability to effectively manage disaster relief, Trump’s rhetoric jeopardizes public safety and hampers FEMA’s critical work. In situations where time and trust are essential, disinformation campaigns like this can have life-threatening consequences for those who depend on federal aid in the aftermath of natural disasters. FEMA’s ongoing struggle with these falsehoods highlights the severe impact of misinformation on disaster response, and the urgent need for clarity and trust between federal agencies and the public they serve.

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