Buttigieg claps back at Elon Musk for false claims about Helene federal response

• SpaceX, Tesla and X executive Elon Musk used his considerable social media reach to spread false conspiracy theories about federal agencies, and emergency workers on Friday.
• Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg clapped back at Musk, and offered to help him figure out how to fly goods and services to storm-hit areas.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spoke directly to Elon Musk Friday on the billionaire's X platform, part of an effort to counter false conspiracies about federal disaster aid for victims of Hurricane Helene that Musk spread on X, where his follower count stands over 200 million.

"No one is shutting down the airspace and FAA doesn't block legitimate rescue and recovery flights," wrote Buttigieg. "If you're encountering a problem give me a call."

Buttigieg was replying to a post from Musk that falsely claimed the Federal Aviation Administration was shutting down airspace in the disaster zone and "throttling" flights transporting supplies.

An FAA spokesperson told CNBC, "There are no airspace restrictions in place in North Carolina as rescue efforts continue because of Hurricane Helene. Pilots looking to come into Asheville or Rutherford airports need to reach out to the airport for permission to land. The FAA is working with local authorities to ensure rescue efforts happen safely."

Musk's false claim was one of several conspiracies Musk has spread about federal emergency personnel this week, as tens of thousands of people turn to government agencies for disaster relief in states hard-hit by Helene.

"@FEMA is not merely failing to adequately help people in trouble, but is actively blocking citizens who try to help!" Musk said in an apparent text message within his social post.

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