Buttigieg counters Musk claim of Fema blocking Starlink from hurricane relief

In a recent interview, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg responded to Elon Musk’s criticisms regarding the government’s approach to Hurricane Helene relief efforts, calling Musk’s statements misinformation. Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, claimed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was hindering his satellite internet service, Starlink, from assisting areas in North Carolina that were severely affected by the hurricane. Both FEMA and Buttigieg have strongly denied these assertions.

Buttigieg remarked, “No one is shutting down the airspace, and the FAA doesn’t block legitimate rescue and recovery flights. If you’re encountering a problem, give me a call.” In response, Musk indicated that he had received multiple reports of issues and would be reaching out for assistance.

On his platform X, Musk voiced his frustration, stating, “SpaceX engineers are trying to deliver Starlink terminals and supplies to devastated areas in North Carolina right now, and @FEMA is both failing to help AND won’t let others help. This is unconscionable!!” He also shared a video captured just hours prior, illustrating the dire conditions in the impacted regions.

Musk took to social media on Friday, expressing his grievances against FEMA and branding the situation as “belligerent government incompetence.” He shared messages allegedly from a SpaceX engineer, claiming that the federal agency was obstructing access to the disaster zones and preventing private helicopters from delivering critical supplies.

FEMA’s public affairs director, Jaclyn Rothenberg, countered Musk’s accusations, stating, “The claims about FEMA confiscating or taking commodities, supplies or resources in North Carolina, Tennessee, or any state impacted by Helene are false. FEMA has facilitated the distribution of Starlink terminals to North Carolina, including to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation and critical lifeline locations, supporting various local response efforts.”

Musk’s remarks have also found support from former President Donald Trump on his platform, Truth Social. Musk has indicated that he will join Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania over the weekend.

This dispute arises amidst a wider context of misinformation following Hurricane Helene, during which communication systems have been severely disrupted. There have been multiple instances of false information, including an incorrect claim from Trump that President Biden failed to contact Georgia’s governor after the storm when, in reality, Biden had reached out to Brian Kemp.

Notably, Musk has a history of engaging in rescue initiatives; in 2018, he controversially offered a small submersible to assist in the rescue of a boys’ soccer team in Thailand, an effort that drew criticism as a potential publicity stunt. His subsequent exchange with the lead rescuer sparked a defamation lawsuit, which Musk ultimately won.