Marjorie Taylor Greene Pushes Laser-Hurricane Theory, Faces Bipartisan Criticism
By Jake Beardslee ·
October 9, 2024
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has sparked backlash with recent social media posts suggesting government weather control capabilities amid the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
In her latest statements, she speculated that this alleged weather control might involve the use of laser technology.
The congresswoman's unsubstantiated comments, shared with her 1.2 million X followers, have drawn criticism from various quarters. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Greene posted to her 1.2 million X followers: "Yes they can control the weather. It's ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can't be done." @mtgreenee / X
She later shared a 2013 CBS News clip about experimental weather modification, mistakenly dating it to nine years ago. @mtgreenee / X
These claims drew sharp criticism from various quarters.
Deanne Criswell, head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), denounced such conspiracy theories as "frankly ridiculous, and just plain false."
She added, "It's really a shame that we're putting politics ahead of helping people, and that's what we're here to do." The White House / Wikimedia
Shawn Harris, Greene's congressional seat challenger, condemned her statements, writing on X, "Marjorie Taylor Greene's conspiracy theories are sickening, but she does it to distract from her failed effort to block crucial funding for Fema as Hurricane Helene was making landfall." @ShawnForGeorgia / X
The spread of misinformation has become so problematic that FEMA established a "rumor response" webpage to combat false claims. PD-US / Wikimedia
The White House warned in a memo that such disinformation "can discourage people from seeking critical assistance when they need it most." Matt H. Wade / Wikimedia
Greene also previously faced criticism for attending a University of Alabama football game with Donald Trump while her home state of Georgia grappled with Helene's aftermath. John David Mercer-Imagn Images
The situation has sparked broader concerns about the impact of conspiracy theories on disaster relief efforts.
With over 230 deaths confirmed from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton approaching Florida, officials stress the importance of accurate information during crisis response. Gabriela Szymanowska/USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
