In a series of events surrounding Hurricane Helene, former President Donald Trump has been heavily criticized for spreading false information regarding disaster relief efforts. Critics, including CNN anchors and political commentators, have labeled his statements as lies, with some accusing him of exacerbating the crisis in North Carolina for political gain. Abby Phillip and other news personalities have challenged Republican representatives on their defense of Trump’s claims. Economist Paul Krugman described Trump's narrative as a reflection of his troubling vision for America, suggesting he has normalized a culture of misinformation. Amidst this turmoil, accusations also arose that the Harris camp was withholding aid for political reasons, highlighting the intense political stakes involved in disaster relief.