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The devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 sparked a surge of conspiracy theories, particularly two that gained notable traction: the idea that levees in New Orleans were intentionally breached and that FEMA Director Michael Brown acted with malice. While these theories have permeated public discussions, a closer examination shows they lack solid evidence and overlook the complex factors that really contributed to the disaster. While credible investigations

Conversely, the claim that FEMA failed is well-documented and filled with accusations of negligence and incompetence, especially targeting FEMA director Michael Brown. The bipartisan House investigation, ‘A Failure of Initiative’, described FEMA’s leadership as lacking awareness and preparedness (U.S. House 2–3). Brown was criticized for insufficient experience and poor coordination, including failing to recognize thousands stranded at the Convention Center until media covera

FEMA’s delayed response, poor coordination, and neglect of stranded populations eroded trust, fostering conspiracy theories, especially in historically marginalized communities. Katrina revealed that disaster response is intertwined with social justice; government failures—rather than unfounded sabotage—caused the catastrophe. Understanding the true causes of these failures is crucial for developing effective policies and preventing future tragedies. Katrina’s legacy undersco