The claim that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris blocked rescue efforts to North Carolina so they could tour hurricane damage is false. The Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary flight restrictions for the airspace above areas in North Carolina where Biden and Harris visited, citing VIP movement as the reason for the restrictions. However, the FAA clarified that these restrictions did not apply to aircraft delivering hurricane relief aid. Pilots providing aid and assistance were permitted to fly in the restricted airspace as long as they coordinated with air traffic control. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg responded to the claim, stating that the FAA does not block legitimate rescue and recovery flights. Musk also shared a follow-up post acknowledging that support flights were underway. Sources such as the FAA, Buttigieg, and lead Stories debunked the claim. The restrictions issued by the FAA were to ensure safety for aircraft conducting hurricane rescue and recovery activities and did not hinder legitimate rescue missions. The misinformation spread on social media platforms such as Facebook and X, with posts claiming that Biden and Harris shut down airspace over North Carolina to tour the area while rescue missions were taking place. The factual information provided by authoritative sources clarifies that the administration did not prevent rescue efforts in the area.
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