US Disarms Itself in the Fight Against Disinformation: Funding Cuts and Agency Closures Raise Concerns
WASHINGTON – In a series of controversial moves, the US government has significantly weakened its defenses against disinformation, raising concerns about national security and the public’s ability to discern truth from falsehood. Within the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s administration, key initiatives aimed at combating misinformation and foreign influence operations have been dismantled, leaving experts worried about the potential consequences. Critics argue that these actions, coupled with decreased content moderation on social media platforms, create a fertile ground for the spread of disinformation, potentially benefiting adversaries like Russia and China.
One of the most significant blows came with the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) cancellation of hundreds of research grants, including those focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as misinformation and disinformation. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, applauded the NSF’s decision to cancel 402 grants, labeling them as "wasteful" and claiming savings of $233 million. However, researchers whose projects were terminated strongly criticized the move, arguing that understanding the mechanisms of misinformation is crucial, especially in the current information landscape. Lisa Fazio, an associate professor of psychology at Vanderbilt University, whose NSF grant to study false beliefs was cancelled, expressed dismay, stating, "Shocking that understanding how people are misled by false information is now a forbidden topic." While her work will continue, the funding cuts will undoubtedly limit its scope and impact.
The NSF’s decision affects a wide range of research areas, including studies on health misinformation, artificial intelligence, and deepfake detection. These areas are particularly critical given the rise of AI-powered scams and the increasing sophistication of manipulated media. Becca Branum, deputy director at the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), emphasized the importance of such research, stating, "Research on how technology impacts society is critical to holding powerful tech platforms accountable." She warned that "shielding companies from criticism by defunding research is censorship that should trouble all of us."
Further exacerbating the situation is the closure of the State Department’s Global Engagement Center’s Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (R/FIMI) hub. This specialized unit played a vital role in tracking and countering disinformation campaigns orchestrated by foreign actors. Its closure eliminates a crucial layer of defense against foreign interference, particularly as geopolitical tensions escalate. Experts fear that this will embolden adversaries seeking to undermine democratic processes and sow discord within the United States.
The confluence of these actions paints a concerning picture. The defunding of vital research, coupled with the dismantling of specialized government units, weakens the nation’s ability to combat disinformation at a time when it poses a growing threat. The timing of these decisions is particularly troubling, given the increasing reliance on social media for information and the ongoing challenges posed by foreign influence operations.
The reduced emphasis on content moderation by social media platforms, including Meta’s suspension of third-party fact-checking in the US, further complicates the landscape. With fewer safeguards in place, the spread of false and misleading information could accelerate, potentially impacting public opinion, political discourse, and even national security. The long-term consequences of these policy decisions remain to be seen, but the current trajectory raises serious concerns about the future of information integrity in the digital age. The need for robust research, effective government oversight, and responsible platform governance has never been more apparent. Without these critical components, the fight against disinformation will become increasingly challenging, leaving the public vulnerable to manipulation and eroding trust in institutions.