Online misinformation about Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and about the relief response from the Federal Emergency Management Agency have surged in recent weeks, including false narratives of aid being withheld from victims for their political beliefs and aid being stolen by undocumented immigrants.

Marketplace’s Kimberly Adams spoke with Ethan Porter, professor of media, public affairs and political science at George Washington University, about why there’s been so much misinformation about these natural disasters and FEMA’s relief response.

This conversation is part of “Marketplace Tech’s” limited series “Decoding Democracy.” Watch the full episode here or on our YouTube channel.

More on what we talked about

“Suspect arrested after reports of threats toward FEMA operations in North Carolina” from CNN

“Furious officials say misinformation is harming hurricane response” from The Hill

“Right-Wingers Heartbroken by Picture of Little Girl Who Doesn’t Exist” from Rolling Stone

“Making sense of election rumors emerging from Hurricane Helene” from the University of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public

Hurricane Rumor Response from FEMA