Elon Musk accuses FEMA of blocking SpaceX relief efforts in North Carolina
-Reuters
Elon Musk has accused the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of obstructing SpaceX’s relief efforts in North Carolina after recent natural disasters.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Musk claimed FEMA was blocking humanitarian aid, referencing a message from a SpaceX engineer on the ground. The engineer alleged that FEMA was seizing shipments of Starlink units and other supplies meant for disaster-stricken residents.
Musk quoted the engineer, stating, “FEMA is not merely failing to help but is actively blocking citizens who try to help!” The message detailed that over 300 Starlink units had already been deployed, restoring internet to affected areas and saving lives. However, further shipments were reportedly being held up by FEMA until local authorities provided an escort.
Just received this note from a SpaceX engineer helping on the ground in North Carolina. @FEMA is not merely failing to adequately help people in trouble, but is actively blocking citizens who try to help!
“Hey Elon, update here on site of Asheville, NC. We have powered up two…— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 4, 2024
Adding to the controversy, whistleblowers have alleged that FEMA withheld pre-disaster aid, intensifying concerns over the agency’s handling of the crisis. These allegations have fueled scrutiny of FEMA’s coordination with private entities like SpaceX in large-scale disaster recovery efforts.
FEMA has not yet responded to Musk's claims or the whistleblower allegations, leaving many questions about the agency's disaster response management in North Carolina unanswered.