Elon Musk accuses FEMA of obstructing aid to North Carolina

X head Elon Musk is accusing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of obstructing SpaceX relief efforts in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, based on reports from one of his engineers on the ground.

“FEMA is not merely failing to adequately help people in trouble, but is actively blocking citizens who try to help,” Musk wrote, referring to SpaceX's efforts to provide internet in high-damage areas using 300 Starlink units.

FEMA was not letting aid workers deliver any supplies without an official escort and has seized local resources, Musk said.

“Hey Elon, update here on site of Asheville, NC," the engineer wrote. "We have powered up two large operating bases for choppers to deliver goods into hands. We’ve deployed 300+ starlinks and outpour is it has saved many lives,” the SpaceX employee reported. “The big issue is FEMA is actively blocking shipments and seizing goods and services locally and locking them away to state they are their own. It’s very real and scary how much they have taken control to stop people helping. We are blocked now on the shipments of new starlinks coming in until we get an escort from the fire dept. but that may not be enough.”

Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) suggested on a video in an X post that Democrats could benefit from a slow response to the hurricane if it prevents people in the affected areas from voting in November.

"For Democrats, it would be nice if 10,000 people didn't come home in Valdosta, Georgia," he said.