Russian disinformation campaign targets US hurricane response to undermine government trust

Melanie Smith, Director of Research at ISD US, spoke with the Associated Press about ISD’s findings on a Russian-led disinformation campaign targeting the US government’s response to hurricanes Helene and Milton. ISD observed Russian state-affiliated media outlets and social media accounts amplifying false and misleading claims about the Biden-Harris administration’s response, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) response, and an alleged prioritization of foreign and migrant aid over US citizens. Melanie explained how they do this by exploiting real, pre-existing concerns at opportune times, such as the US elections: “These are not situations that foreign actors are creating,” she said. “They’re simply pouring gasoline on fires that already exist.”