Oct 10

Oct 10 Disinformation Dangers

Hoyer Statement on Republican Disinformation Regarding Hurricane and Disaster Warnings

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement Oct 8 regarding the disinformation spread by Republicans about the hurricane warnings and resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

"With one of the most powerful hurricanes in history bearing down on America's gulf coast, the last thing the hundreds of thousands of evacuees need is disinformation. Sadly, Donald Trump, the provocateur-in-Chief, Senator Vance as his deputy, and the members of the extreme MAGA far-right, have seized on this natural disaster to spread conspiracy theories and political hoaxes.

"Trump forces continue to vilify FEMA and raise doubts about the agency's warning to Americans caught in the path of the deadly storm to evacuate before it is too late. Spreading these lies is not only morally disgusting; it is dangerous.

“Every second counts in an evacuation. Someone who cares more about maximizing the number of likes and views on a provocative tweet over minimizing the number of American lives lost to these storms has no place holding public office. Our response to these storms has been – and must remain – bipartisan and truthful.

“It is crucial that our House comes together to secure disaster aid to help those affected by these storms and the many other disasters America has experienced in recent months. I urge Americans to evacuate, and I urge their leaders to either reiterate that warning or refrain from their partisan lies."