Hurricanes Milton and Helene stir chemtrail conspiracy claims in October 2024

In the United States, a resurgence of the chemtrail conspiracy theory has emerged amid the recent hurricanes Helene and Milton. This theory, which falsely claims that the government uses weather manipulation technology to steer hurricanes towards specific communities, has been amplified by right-wing influencers online. These influencers, some with large followings, have linked the hurricanes to a supposed plot to undermine the upcoming presidential election, alleging that the storms were directed at Trump-supporting areas. Despite being debunked for decades, the chemtrail myth has gained traction, particularly as misinformation spreads rapidly on social media platforms. Climate scientists have expressed concern over the increasing virality of these conspiracy theories, noting that they have historically been confined to fringe discussions but are now reaching a much wider audience. The situation has prompted some lawmakers to take action, such as passing a bill in Tennessee that bans the release of airborne chemicals, which critics argue is based on unfounded fears stemming from the chemtrail myth. Experts warn that the combination of misinformation and the politicization of weather events poses a significant challenge to public understanding of climate science and the integrity of democratic processes.