America witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene this past September in parts of North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, followed shortly by Hurricane Milton hitting Florida’s west coast in early October. Communities across these states are still struggling to recover and rebuild from the aftermath, which included violent flooding, fierce winds, and widespread destruction of homes and critical infrastructure—impacting access to transportation, clean water, and electricity. But there is another storm brewing—one that is invisible yet equally damaging. Disinformation spread by foreign actors about these hurricanes has not only undermined disaster relief efforts but also threatened the integrity of our democratic processes.

As a member of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Next Gen Global Leaders Network, Americans deserve truth, accountability, and a united front against foreign adversaries seeking to exploit humanitarian tragedies and influence our electoral processes for their own gain.

Disinformation—false, misleading information deliberately spread to deceive—is not new. Since the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, we have seen waves of disinformation, often in the form of fake news articles circulating on social media. However, the methods and technologies used by foreign actors to disseminate misinformation have evolved, making it much harder to combat. Social media platforms, online news outlets, and now manipulated audio recordings, photographs, and videos have turned public perception into a battleground.

Recent disasters like Hurricanes Milton and Helene have been weaponized to spread misinformation about the U.S. government’s disaster response, coordination between federal and state authorities, and even the legitimacy of relief efforts. Much of this disinformation comes from familiar adversaries—China and Russia, among others—who are leveraging it to create confusion, distrust, and fear. Their aim is to destabilize not only the response to these natural disasters but also American citizens’ confidence at a time when the U.S. approaches one of its most critical election cycles.

To understand how foreign disinformation can exacerbate an already delicate situation, consider the narratives spread around Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Fake news articles falsely claimed that FEMA lacked the funds to provide disaster assistance, that relief funds were mysteriously disappearing, and that FEMA was asking for cash donations while refusing volunteer help. Fabricated “eyewitness” accounts and doctored photographs circulated, incorrectly suggesting that federal relief efforts were minimal, sparking outrage in many affected communities. None of these claims were true.

As this disinformation spread, some people began hesitating to accept government aid, fearing resources would be unfairly allocated or that relief packages might be less effective than promised. Such disinformation creates a domino effect in public opinion. It sows distrust among communities, fuels friction between local and federal agencies, and in some cases even hinders volunteer efforts as people grow uncertain about where their help is truly needed.

Foreign adversaries use this type of disinformation to exploit communities when they are most vulnerable, aiming to erode public confidence in America’s ability to protect and care for its citizens—a particularly malicious tactic in times of crisis. By casting doubt on relief efforts, foreign actors make it more challenging for citizens to recover, hoping that this confusion will open the door to further narratives aimed at weakening public morale and, more importantly, government credibility.

At its core, the spread of disinformation around disaster relief is not just about the hurricanes; it is part of a broader attempt to interfere with the upcoming election. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, expressed concern over the use of disinformation during hurricane recovery efforts, warning that these same adversaries are likely to refocus their attention on the 2024 presidential election. In an interview with The Hill on October 15, Warner noted, “I think post-2020, we know the most dangerous times may be the days right after the polls close because of the ability to use AI—to have somebody that looks like an election official who could appear to be destroying ballots.” If citizens doubt their government’s ability to provide basic relief, they may also begin to question its ability to govern effectively.

So, how can we as a nation combat this sophisticated form of foreign interference? First, it is essential to recognize the crucial role of international alliances and partnerships in countering disinformation. Organizations like USAID and various international NGOs bring vital expertise, data, and communication channels that can be instrumental in stopping disinformation before it spreads.

Furthermore, our defense and intelligence communities must work alongside domestic agencies to create an integrated strategy for countering disinformation during disaster relief efforts. This includes establishing rapid-response teams equipped to detect false narratives early, dispel misinformation, and ensure that affected communities receive accurate, up-to-date information.

Disinformation may be invisible, but its impact is real and dangerous. By remaining vigilant, fostering transparency, and strengthening global alliances, we can fortify our defenses against foreign interference and ensure our democratic values endure for future generations.