As Hurricane Milton threatens catastrophic damage in Florida, the Georgia Republican suggested on X that such storms could be engineered by humans.
President Joe Biden responded strongly to a conspiracy theory propagated by Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who suggested that the federal government might be controlling the weather. During a televised statement at the White House on Wednesday, Biden condemned the claim, calling it “beyond ridiculous” and “so stupid,” urging that such misinformation must cease. The president’s comments came as Hurricane Milton, a powerful storm expected to cause catastrophic damage, was heading toward Florida.
Greene’s controversial comments, made last Thursday on social media platform X, fueled wild speculation. “Yes, they can control the weather. It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done,” Greene wrote, triggering backlash from both sides of the political spectrum. Her statements, which echo broader conspiracy theories about government control of natural disasters, quickly gained attention, but they were also met with swift criticism.
In contrast, Rep. Carlos Giménez, a fellow Republican from Florida, firmly rejected Greene’s assertions. Responding to her claim on X, Giménez stated, “Humans cannot create or control hurricanes. Anyone who thinks they can, needs to have their head examined.” His comments aligned with widely accepted scientific consensus, which holds that hurricanes are natural phenomena caused by complex atmospheric conditions, not human manipulation.
While Greene’s comments spread online, President Biden, who had been receiving updates about Hurricane Milton, emphasized the real and immediate threats posed by the storm. He held a virtual briefing with federal officials to monitor the situation and reassure the public about the government’s response. Biden made it clear that the focus should be on preparing for the storm’s landfall, not indulging in baseless conspiracy theories.
Biden’s condemnation of Greene’s claims underscored his administration’s push to counter misinformation, particularly during natural disasters. In his remarks, the president emphasized that the federal government’s role in responding to hurricanes is to protect lives and provide support, not to engage in bizarre claims about weather control.
As Hurricane Milton continues to threaten Florida, authorities are urging residents to take precautions and prepare for potential devastation. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Greene’s comments highlights the ongoing struggle with disinformation, especially in times of crisis, and the importance of relying on expert analysis over unsubstantiated claims.
Biden’s comments serve as a reminder that, despite political divides, the focus during natural disasters must remain on public safety and scientific understanding, not on spreading falsehoods that could hinder preparedness and response efforts.