Elon Musk’s conspiracies about helping Helene draw criticism from Buttigieg

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spoke directly to Elon Musk on the billionaire’s X platform on Friday, as part of an effort to counter false conspiracies about federal disaster aid for Hurricane Helene victims that Musk spread on exceeds 200 million.

“No one is closing airspace and the FAA is not blocking legitimate rescue and recovery flights,” Buttigieg wrote. “If you encounter a problem, call me.”

Buttigieg was responding to a post from Musk that falsely claimed the Federal Aviation Administration was closing airspace in the disaster area and “throttling” flights carrying supplies.

An FAA spokesperson told CNBC: “There are no airspace restrictions in North Carolina as rescue efforts continue due to Hurricane Helene. Pilots wishing to enter Asheville or Rutherford airports must contact the airport for permission to land. The FAA is working with local authorities to ensure rescue efforts are done safely.”

Musk’s false claim was one of several conspiracies Musk has spread this week about federal relief workers as tens of thousands of people turn to government agencies for disaster relief in states hit hard by Helene.

“@FEMA is not only failing to adequately assist those in need, but is actively blocking citizens from trying to help!” Musk said in an apparent text message in his social post.

A spokeswoman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency responded to Musk in a statement to CNBC: “The claims about FEMA seizing or seizing goods, supplies, or resources in North Carolina, Tennessee, or any other state identified by Helene affected, are false,” said director of public affairs. Jaclyn Rothenberg.

FEMA has previously deployed Starlinks to assist with disaster relief in places like Guam, Hawaii and Alaska, she noted. In storm-ravaged North Carolina, Starlink units support state and local governments, urban search and rescue, and disaster coordination.

Musk has formally endorsed Republican former President Donald Trump and has become a megadonor to the Republican Party in recent years.

On Friday, Trump amplified Musk’s false claims about FEMA and FAA on Trump’s own social media platform, Truth Social, where he posted them without comment to his nearly 8 million followers.

Musk’s SpaceX and its satellite internet service brand Starlink previously said they would send about 500 Starlink kits, donated by individuals and organizations, to help with Helene’s recovery efforts. They also made Starlink Internet service free for 30 days for users in areas devastated by Helene.

This was after FEMA previously announced it would send SpaceX’s Starlink terminals to bring internet service to remote areas affected by the storm.

Musk often uses X to provoke, but by lashing out at FEMA on Friday, he escalated his battle with the US government.

He has previously threatened to sue the Federal Aviation Administration, attacked the Environmental Protection Agency for sanctioning SpaceX, and lashed out at other federal agencies.

Musk’s SpaceX relies on federal agencies for billions of dollars in annual revenue, and his automaker Tesla has benefited amply from federal programs that have provided the company with a crucial loan, tax breaks and other subsidies and incentives.

People who suffered loss or damage in certain counties as a result of Tropical Storm Helene can apply for government assistance using the FEMA app, which can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play Store, by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

— NBC’s Cristian Santana reported