Numerous Trump-aligned media figures have accused the Federal Emergency Management Agency and its officials of committing treason over its handling of Hurricane Helene.

Those right-wing figures have said that “whoever is running FEMA is guilty of treason your time is coming when Trump wins”; that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas “should be in prison for the treason he has perpetrated against this country”; and that someone should “hang” government officials “by the necks till they're dead and let their dead bodies rot while people see what is done to treasonous government. ... I believe it's way past time for an armed revolution.” 

This kind of rhetoric is part of a larger theme: Former President Donald Trump and his media allies have repeatedly promised retribution against government officials and the media if he wins a second term in office. 

Media Matters has been documenting the spread of conspiracy theories in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Pro-Trump allies, including those who are scheduled to appear at Trump-affiliated events in North Carolina, have been pushing the conspiracy theory that weather manipulation caused the recent hurricanes. 

Vitriol against FEMA has already resulted in real-world consequences. A North Carolina man was arrested for allegedly making an anti-FEMA threats, and The Washington Post reported that “threats against federal emergency response personnel have hampered relief work in parts of western North Carolina hard hit by Hurricane Helene, prompting disaster workers to relocate because of safety concerns and feeding a cycle of fear and anxiety.”

Numerous right-wing media figures, including those linked to Trump, have claimed that FEMA and its officials are guilty of “treason,” with some suggesting that they should be killed. 

The Hodgetwins are a podcasting duo that promotes false claims and anti-trans vitriol. They have been interviewed by now-Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump and have met Trump, who has promoted them online.  

They wrote: “Whoever is running FEMA is guilty of treason Your time is coming when Trump wins.” 

Charlie Kirk is a right-wing podcaster who frequently pushes toxic rhetoric and conspiracy theories. He is a key Trump ally who heads a group that’s been tasked with helping Trump’s get-out-the-vote efforts. 

He ran a segment that he headlined “Hurricane Helene Aid Withheld? FEMA Whistleblowers Expose A Treasonous Misuse of Taxpayer Money” and said of the alleged misuse: “It is treason.” 

SGT Report is a far-right show that promotes conspiracy theories, including QAnon. Trump administration officials Kash Patel, Peter Navarro, and Mike Flynn have appeared on the show. 

The show ran an episode that included the description: “Chaos, death and destruction brought to you by the criminal and treasonous Biden-Harris administration. The official tally of the dead from hurricane Helene currently stands at 227 but thousands of Americans are missing and presumed dead and FEMA under Biden-Harris is doing LESS THAN NOTHING, in fact, FEMA is standing in the way of search and recovery. Brent Johnson believes these corrupt politicians should be tried and hanged from the neck until dead for their treason. LISTEN!” 

During the program, the host began by claiming: “It is treason. In fact, friends, it's worse than treason. I want you to think about this. If you planned a war against the people over which you rule using their own money and resources, isn't this just exactly how you would do it?” 

Brent Johnson, a fringe commentator and author, said: “My solution, though, is considered to be a bit too radical. I would haul them all out. I would have the militia come in, pick them up, OK? Whisk them away someplace, try them, convict them and execute them, hang them by the necks till they're dead and let their dead bodies rot while people see what is done to treasonous government thugs. But, hey, that's just me, you know? And people would say, ‘I'm being outrageous. I'm being, I'm being too radical. I'm being, you know, I want war.’ I don't want war. I'm actually one of the most peace loving people around. But these people are vicious and evil.” He later added: “I believe it's way past time for an armed revolution.” 

Stew Peters is a Hitler-praising antisemite who has promoted numerous conspiracy theories and calls for violence. Numerous Trump-linked officials have appeared on his show, including Republican National Committee lawyer Christina Bobb; and Trump administration officials Kash Patel and Peter Navarro. 

He wrote on social media: “Alejandro Mayorkas is a lying subversive parasite and should be tried for TREASON” followed by the rat emoji and the skull and crossbones emoji. 

Wayne Allyn Root is a radio host and conspiracy theorist. He recently spoke at a Trump rally and has interviewed Trump, who has in turn frequently promoted Root online. 

Root said on his radio show on October 7 of Hurricane Helene: “But even if you don't believe that's what someone's purposely doing, even if this is just nature and it's just pure bad luck right before an election, hmm, strange. But even if you don't believe that — the response to Helene is the worst response in history, everyone involved should be tried for treason. Kamala, Mayorkas, they all should be tried for treason, what they've done to the people of North Carolina.” 

Sean Davis is the CEO and co-founder of the right-wing publication The Federalist. He has repeatedly promoted conspiracy theories, including claiming that “Democrats are preparing to use the military to steal the 2024 election and prevent their opponents from lawfully taking power.”

He wrote in response to a clip of Mayorkas discussing FEMA funding: “He should be in prison for the treason he has perpetrated against this country.” 

Jane Ruby is a health misinformer who has pushed the conspiracy theory that Hurricane Helene was the result of weather manipulation. She is scheduled to speak in North Carolina on the ReAwaken America tour with Trump’s “inner circle.” 

She wrote on social media: “Time For States  NC, TN, FL, GA To KICK OUT FED GOVT/FEMA The fed govt is shutting down roads, blocking civilian rescue missions, and confiscating donations This is more than overreach, it is an ACT OF TREASON.” 

Glenn Beck is a right-wing radio host who became a household name for his conspiracy theories on his now-defunct Fox News program. He was recently part of a Trump campaign event. 

His website recently wrote of a rant on his program: