As Hurricane Milton becomes the second major storm to hit land in just two weeks, government representatives are battling misinformation regarding issues like emergency funds and airspace regulations in the affected regions.

The latest conspiracy theory suggests that the Democratic government is manipulating the weather. Many social media posts, including those from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., spread this notion, with some even alleging that the hurricanes are intentionally directed at Republican states. (Fact-checkers at YSL News have confirmed that large weather events cannot be manipulated.)

In response, officials, including President Joe Biden and a Republican congressman from North Carolina, are working to clarify that weather control is impossible, and Rolling Stone reports that this fringe idea has escalated to the point where meteorologists are receiving death threats.

Here’s what you need to know about this recent controversy:

Biden’s response to MTG’s claims: ‘It’s absurd.’

Before Hurricane Milton struck on Wednesday night, Biden criticized the “irresponsible and reckless promotion of misinformation and outright lies,” stating that it hampers rescue operations following Hurricane Helene.

Biden acknowledged that some prominent politicians are propagating misinformation regarding the government’s actions, particularly targeting Greene’s comments about the possibility of controlling the weather.

“Now the claims are getting even more bizarre,” he remarked. “It’s ludicrous. It’s got to come to an end.”

Progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., attributed the hurricanes to climate change, specifically calling out the fossil fuel industry in a post on X.

Rep. Chuck Edwards, a Republican from Asheville, which was heavily affected by Hurricane Helene, also released a statement to debunk hurricane-related misinformation.

“Hurricane Helene was NOT created by the government to control lithium deposits in Chimney Rock,” the statement said. “No one can manipulate the weather.”

FEMA responds to misinformation with a new website to aid recovery efforts

In response to Hurricane Helene, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launched a “Hurricane Rumor Response” page to counter the widespread falsehoods about its role, which have also entered conversations about Hurricane Milton.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell remarked that misinformation has had detrimental effects on those affected by the storm and the volunteers assisting with recovery efforts.

“It fosters distrust in both the federal and state governments. Many first responders are working tirelessly to aid these communities,” Criswell told reporters on Oct. 8. “It’s disheartening for them, especially when they’ve left their families to help others.”

One of the prevalent myths is that disaster survivors will receive only $750 in aid. FEMA clarified that this is incorrect; the $750 is part of the Serious Needs Assistance for essential items, and further assistance may be available later.

Presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have both utilized the hurricane response in their campaigns. Trump has perpetuated various false claims, including that FEMA lacks hurricane relief funds due to spending it on undocumented immigrants. Harris has called Trump’s claims “extraordinarily irresponsible,” as reported by The Associated Press.