False and misleading claims about Hurricane Helene are spreading about the storm and recovery efforts. And that's forcing public officials in hard-hit areas to set the record straight. Donald Trump and others have spread claims suggesting officials are withholding assistance from Republican storm victims. Other conspiracy theories claim federal officials used weather control technology to steer the storm toward Republican areas. Local and state officials in North Carolina and other states say the conspiracy theories are increasing mistrust and authorities to take time away from recovery efforts.
