**Republican Congressman Rebukes Trump and Allies Over Hurricane Helene Misinformation**

In a striking departure from his party, North Carolina Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards has condemned misinformation regarding Hurricane Helene and the federal government's response. Representing the storm-battered 11th district of North Carolina, Edwards contrasted the criticisms from former President Donald Trump and others by praising the Biden administration's disaster relief efforts as exceptionally supportive.

Edwards issued a press release titled "Debunking Helene Response Myths" on his official congressional website. The release categorically debunks various conspiracies and false claims, notably contradicting Trump and his far-right supporters, who blame the administration for mismanaging the emergency response. Emphasizing the destructive impact of such conspiracy theories, Edwards stressed that they are hindering efforts to aid communities hit hardest by the hurricane.

In one notable rebuttal, Edwards addressed the false claim that the government geo-engineered Hurricane Helene to access lithium deposits at Chimney Rock. He cited authoritative sources like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Southeast Regional Climate Center, stating unequivocally that no entity can control the weather. This charge directly refutes Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had claimed otherwise to her 1.2 million followers on X.

Further dismissing misinformation, Edwards clarified that FEMA did not divert disaster funds to border activities or foreign aid. He rebutted the assertion that FEMA provided only $750 to survivors, explaining it as merely the first stage of broader ongoing assistance. These fabrications had been echoed by Trump, who falsely accused President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris of deliberately neglecting Republican regions.

Prominent figures such as Elon Musk have added fuel to the fire by spreading similar falsehoods. Musk, owner of the social media platform X, accused FEMA of wasting its budget on unauthorized immigrants rather than aiding storm victims, a baseless claim he shared with his 200 million followers. Moreover, Musk alleged FEMA actively obstructed donations to those affected by the hurricane.

Highlighting the widespread disinformation, Edwards urged the public to verify information from credible sources and approach social media narratives with skepticism. He joined other Republicans like North Carolina state senator Kevin Corbin in calling for an end to the damaging falsehoods that undermine disaster response efforts.

FEMA officials have echoed these concerns, noting that misinformation diminishes the trust of survivors in seeking necessary help. Keith Turi, acting associate administrator for response and recovery at FEMA, affirmed the critical need for accurate information to ensure effective disaster relief and recovery efforts.

Chuck Edwards' stance underscores the vital importance of factual reporting and cooperative governance in times of crisis, marking a significant intra-party critique amidst a backdrop of widespread public misinformation.