Amid the devastating flash floods in Texas, far-right conspiracy theories emerged, spreading online and fueling misinformation. The tragedy became a breeding ground for conspiracists who propagated the idea that the extreme weather was artificially controlled by the US government. These theories found traction among social media users associated with the QAnon conspiracy theory, which alleges a clandestine government entity working against former President Donald Trump.
One notable figure in the QAnon movement, retired general Mike Flynn, reposted claims suggesting government manipulation of weather, garnering millions of views on a popular social media platform. The spread of misinformation extended beyond social media, as influencers and grifters on various platforms perpetuated the narrative of weather manipulation, attracting large audiences and further complicating the discourse surrounding the floods.
Even political figures like Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene seized the moment to introduce legislation aimed at prohibiting weather modification practices, leveraging the chaos to push her agenda. These unfounded theories were not confined to the online realm, as false stories, like the miraculous rescue of two girls, circulated and were later debunked, highlighting the dangers of misinformation in times of crisis.
The aftermath of the floods also saw blame directed at the Trump administration for budget cuts that allegedly hampered disaster response efforts. Concerns were raised about the National Weather Service’s forecasting accuracy and the coordination of emergency services. Criticism extended to Senator Ted Cruz, who faced backlash for being absent during the crisis and supporting budget cuts that impacted weather forecasting funding.
Furthermore, in neo-Nazi and far-right circles, criticism of the government’s response to the floods morphed into racially charged rhetoric, reflecting underlying tensions and political divisions. Meme-makers on the left used satire to mock the right’s scapegoating of Democrats for the disaster, highlighting the polarized narratives that emerged in the wake of the floods.
As the Texas floods of 2025 unfolded, they not only brought about a humanitarian crisis but also became a battleground for competing narratives and conspiracy theories. The intersection of politics, misinformation, and tragedy underscored the challenges of navigating complex events in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, shaping public discourse and perception.
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