I was raised in Florida, and I can confidently say hurricanes don’t care about politics. They are fierce, damaging, and lethal. They certainly remind us of our vulnerabilities.

As Hurricane Milton barrels through the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 5 storm, threatening the west coast of Florida, it’s infuriating that Floridians and Americans have to contend not only with the potential catastrophic impact of the storm but also with the reckless lies the Republican presidential candidate may spout afterward.

If you think it’s absurd to connect these two issues, consider that Donald Trump’s falsehoods and misinformation since Hurricane Helene devastated the South have caused significant damage and continue to create confusion and distrust.

The harm caused by Trump’s falsehoods after Hurricane Helene

Over the past week, Trump has:

• Advocated a ridiculous and false narrative claiming that government officials are “trying their best not to assist people in Republican regions.”
• Asserted that President Joe Biden was not in contact with the governors of the states affected by Helene (he was, and the governors confirmed this).
• Made the outrageous claim that Vice President Kamala Harris has squandered “all of her FEMA funds, amounting to billions, on housing for undocumented migrants.”
• Falsely claimed there have been “no helicopters, no rescues” in North Carolina, even after the state reported on Saturday that “53 search and rescue teams from North Carolina and beyond, comprising over 1,600 members, conducted extensive rescue operations.”

This is merely scratching the surface. Trump’s cynical exploitation of a deadly natural disaster to boost his flailing campaign has opened the door for conspiracy theorists to flood social media with false information, including GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s bizarre claim that the government manipulates weather patterns, and as reported by The New York Times, “calls for residents to organize militias to protect themselves against FEMA representatives, along with antisemitic and misogynistic threats targeting them.”

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stated on ABC News: “Such rhetoric is not beneficial for those in need. It’s truly unfortunate that politics are taking precedence over aiding people.”

Misinformation from Trump disrupts recovery missions

Samantha Montano, an emergency management professor at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, shared with The Times: “I have been involved in disaster management for nearly 20 years, and I can’t think of any other disaster where misinformation has been so rampant.”

The relentless stream of lies has compelled relief organizations and local authorities to waste vital time debunking false claims. The American Red Cross issued a message on social media: “Spreading rumors without verifying the source and facts ultimately harms those who have just lost their homes, communities, and, in some cases, loved ones.”

Aaron Ellenburg, a sheriff in North Carolina, remarked to The Times: “I’ve never witnessed anything like this. I’m fed up with it.”

‘Trump has turned a significant crisis into a political play

At Every Turn

It is astonishing that the main source of “this nonsense” is a man aspiring to be president. The editorial team of the Charlotte Observer shared their thoughts on the turmoil Trump has created, labeling it “shameful”:

“This isn’t a situation that should be used for political advantage. Yet, former President Donald Trump continues to politicize the events, perpetuating falsehoods and conspiracy theories that only further divide the community instead of uniting it. Let’s be clear: Western North Carolina is not a political pawn. This isn’t a chance for campaigning. The most detrimental action any politician—and anyone else—can take now is to spread misinformation and suggest that their government isn’t doing anything to assist.”

Hurricane Milton is a Threat to Florida: How Will Trump React?

As Hurricane Milton is predicted to approach Florida on Wednesday, we must ask: Will Trump handle this impending crisis the same way he managed the last one?

We already know the likely answer: Certainly. He will prioritize his political aspirations above all else. This includes overlooking the safety of residents in the state he now claims as his own and disregarding the needs of recovery teams and government agencies striving to save lives and aid in rebuilding efforts.

His rhetoric and social media commentary will create confusion, further dividing people when solidarity is crucial. His words will be echoed by his opportunistic supporters, from Elon Musk to Marjorie Taylor Greene, as well as other self-serving individuals who seize the opportunity to gain attention at the expense of decency.

Unusual Behavior from a Presidential Contender

This shouldn’t be the case. What we have witnessed in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida following Hurricane Helene has been communities coming together and supporting one another—this is how it should be. While no solution can entirely mend a tragedy, collective action can greatly alleviate suffering.

However, Trump detests unity. He relishes in the chaos that can be turned to his advantage.

Confronting a storm of Hurricane Milton’s magnitude is challenging enough. Americans, especially those in Florida, shouldn’t have additional concerns about how a deceitful presidential candidate might exacerbate the situation.