A North Carolina senator characterizes conspiracy theories about the federal response to Hurricane Florence as a "distraction."

• Some false conspiracy theories have been criticized by Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., regarding the Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina.
• North Carolina state senator Kevin Corbin wrote a Facebook post asking people to stop spreading "conspiracy theory junk," and his comments emerged days later.
• Tillis stated that although the state currently has sufficient resources for its recovery, it may require additional support in the future.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., criticized certain conspiracy theories regarding the Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina.

""If any challenges arise, my office will address them. However, most of what I've seen is a distraction and not contributing to the core of the effort, which is saving lives and rebuilding," Tillis stated on "Face the Nation" on Sunday."

Tillis stated that the recovery efforts' statements are from individuals not physically present on the ground.

Tillis agrees with Corbin's call to stop spreading conspiracy theories.

Social media has been abuzz with claims about the federal response to Hurricane Helene. One of the most vocal proponents has been CEO Elon Musk, who has endorsed former President Donald Trump and made an appearance at the former president's Butler, Pennsylvania rally on Saturday. On Friday, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg countered some of Musk's claims on X.

Tillis responded to Trump's criticism of the federal response to North Carolina's recovery efforts by stating that the emergency funding was being used appropriately and that the federal government was working diligently to assist the state.

"Tillis stated that while he agrees with the President's assessment that billions of dollars are being spent due to Biden's immigration and border policies, they need to allocate more resources to address the issue."

He observed that, at present, immigration is not affecting the flow of resources to western North Carolina.

According to NBC News, over 215 people had died, with more than half of the fatalities occurring in North Carolina.

--Rebecca Picciotto and Lora Kolodny contributed to this report.