The Impact of Misinformation on Trust in Emergency Response

After Hurricane Helene hit the southern United States last month, a wave of conspiracy theories flooded social media about the storm and the response by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. Former president Donald Trump promoted one conspiracy theory, falsely suggesting that the Biden administration used FEMA disaster funds to help migrants at the southern border.

Now, as Hurricane Milton nears landfall, FEMA and other federal agencies are gearing up to respond to potentially devastating damage, and also to combat conspiracy theories that may discourage people from getting help. 

Today on “Post Reports,” Martine Powers speaks with climate reporter Maxine Joselow about how FEMA is preparing for Hurricane Milton while fighting misinformation.  

Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson with help from Peter Bresnan and Ariel Plotnick. It was mixed by Sean Carter and edited by Monica Campbell with help from Reena Flores. Thanks to Molly Hennessy-Fiske. 

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