Fox News host Jessica Tarlov was recently fact-checked for allegedly false comments she made during an on-air conversation with co-host Jeanine Pirro. Speaking about the federal government’s response to Hurricane Helene, Tarlov claimed the Biden-Harris administration was the first to deploy Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service to those in need.
However, conservative commentator Nick Sortor was quick to fact-check Tarlov, pointing out firsthand evidence that he was on the ground utilizing Starlink days before the federal government even considered the possible of utilizing the novel technology. Proving Tarlov’s assertion to be false, he illustrated the positive impact that private citizens have had in the relief efforts in North Carolina.
During the Fox News segment, Jeanine Pirro said, “Elon Musk to set up Starlink so that they could get some cell coverage on their phone to be able to apply for the 750 I mean, if it weren’t for all of these private entities knowing the government just wasn’t there in the beginning, and they’re playing catch up now.”
Tarlov quickly retorted, “Well, let’s be clear, the government was the one that got the first 40 Starlink satellites to get to North Carolina when Helene struck. That was the US government.” She added, “The government was on top of that. Now to say that what Joe Biden was doing was nakedly political removes the context of this, which is that the president United States of America is worried that people are listening to folks like Donald Trump, like Lara Trump.”
Continuing, to disagree with conservative talking points about the Hurricane relief efforts, Tarlov said, “She was the one who said the 750 she was on with Dana Bash, trying to have, I guess, a nice conversation, or get some hits in, put up that lie. You know, they’re only getting $750 and Dana Bash had to say that’s absolutely untrue. That is a lie.”
Offering a rebuttal to Tarlov’s claims, Sortor posted on X, “Hey @JessicaTarlov: why are you LYING on Fox News right now saying the Biden Harris regime were the firsts to deploy Starlinks in Western NC? @ChrisHallWx and I were reconnecting first responders and victims using our personal Starlinks DAYS before the Feds even THOUGHT about doing so. If it weren’t for private individuals, your beloved regime would’ve abandoned these folks. Shame on you.”
Sortor had previously highlighted his efforts on the ground in North Carolina, writing in a separate post, “ALERT: Asheville, NC is a TOTAL blackout zone, so we’ve set up TWO Starlink Stations for Public Use Even NC State Police aren’t able to connect to cellular networks, so they’re using our Starlinks now.” Watch Tarlov’s claims below:
He added, “Spread this for ANYONE in the affected area. It’s been days since anyone’s been able to connect to cellular out here. @ChrisHallWx and I have had these up and running for an hour, and I lost count of the amount of people that’ve told us they’ve FINALLY been able to connect with friends and family and let them know they’re okay I’m sure this post will have someone run up my data bill just to troll me, but so be it. We’ve connected Asheville back to the world!”
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.
