Georgia’s favorite firebrand Congresswoman is at the center of yet another controversy. This time it is over her repeated claims that an unspecified “they” control the weather.
Of course, Greene’s fans, followers, and those who vote for her are familiar with this unspecified “they” and often believe conspiracy theories with the unspecified “they” at the center.
What Happened?: On October 5, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene shared a tweet suggesting that “they” can control the weather. She cited former CIA Director John Brennan’s past statements as evidence, asserting that anyone denying this capability is lying. Greene, who represents Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, further implied that the public resents attempts to conceal this information.
The Players:
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• Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: A Republican representative for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, known for her outspoken and often controversial statements.
• John Brennan: Former CIA Director under President Barack Obama, referenced by Greene for previous comments on climate modification.
The Politics: This is not the first scuffle involving Greene and Brennan. Political call outs rarely come out of the blue, and this one is no different. Back in April of 2023, Brennan said publicly that he did not believe Greene was fit to hold office after Greene defended a Pentagon leak suspect.
The Setting: Twitter, where Greene frequently shares her views and interacts with followers. This tweet came amid recent discussions on climate change and technology, fueling debates over the reach of government capabilities.
The Quote: Greene tweeted:
“Yes they can control the weather. Here is Obama’s CIA Director John Brennan talking about it. Anyone who says they don’t, or makes fun of this, is lying to you. By the way, the people know it and hate all of you who try to cover it up.”
Here is the embedded tweet so you can view the tweet and Greene’s reference material.
The Response: While there hasn’t been an official response from John Brennan regarding this tweet, he has spoken previously about geoengineering—a theoretical approach to climate control involving technological interventions to manage solar radiation.
His remarks, however, do not explicitly confirm government weather control, but talk about potential future technology. Critics of Greene’s statements, including political analysts and scientists, have often challenged such claims, pointing to the speculative nature and lack of concrete evidence behind them.
The Aftermath: The tweet has garnered attention and reignited debates about the role of government in climate technology and the potential for so-called “weather modification.” Social media responses have been polarized, with some users supporting Greene’s views and others ridiculing the idea as a conspiracy theory.
Who Stands to Gain?: Greene and others who support her views may benefit by appealing to constituents and followers who distrust government institutions and are skeptical of scientific consensus. This type of rhetoric can solidify her base by addressing their concerns about government transparency and control.
Who Loses?: Scientific communities and policymakers focused on climate change could be adversely affected, as such statements may undermine public trust in climate science and divert attention from substantiated environmental policies. Additionally, government agencies associated with climate initiatives could face increased skepticism and backlash from the public.
Critical Thinking: Here are a few questions for those who might be compelled to believe this idea.
- If Nancy Pelosi claimed a Republican “they” could control the weather, would that be crazy talk to you?
- Why is man-made climate change not believable to you, but weather manipulation is?
- Since Marjorie Taylor Greene is a member of Congress and is part of the government, isn’t she technically a part of “they?”
- How many of Marjorie Taylor Greene’s claims have proven true in the past?
About The Georgia 14th: According to the U.S. Census, District 14 is 85.3% white and has a median household income of $42,700. The district has a high school graduation rate of 79.1% and a college graduation rate of 16.6%. The district includes Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Polk, Walker and Whitfield Counties as well as part of Pickens County and Cobb County.
About The Public Record: This article is part of an ongoing series highlighting statements by public officials called The Public Record, where we present recent quotes and actions of public officials or candidates. You may not be able to attend every public meeting or see every occasion where your representatives speak, but you still have a right to know what your representatives and those who hope to represent you have been saying.
“Because public men and women are amenable ‘at all times’ to the people, they must conduct the public’s business out in the open.” -Charles L. Weltner Sr., former Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court
