Trump’s Second Term Marks Escalation of War on Disinformation Research
The resurgence of Donald Trump to the presidency has ushered in a renewed and intensified assault on disinformation research, online platforms, and the very notion of scientific inquiry. What began as scattered conservative-led efforts during his first term has morphed into a systematic dismantling of government agencies and academic programs dedicated to understanding and combating disinformation. This represents a grave threat not only to academic freedom and scientific progress but also to the integrity of democratic processes and national security. Trump’s actions, fueled by a narrative of victimhood and grievances against perceived censorship, have emboldened a movement that seeks to silence critical voices and control the flow of information.
From day one of his second term, Trump has made clear his intention to reshape the information landscape. Executive orders, agency directives, and public pronouncements have targeted the FBI, the Department of Justice, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). These actions have gutted vital programs aimed at protecting elections, securing critical infrastructure, and investigating foreign interference. Furthermore, they have sought to discredit and punish individuals like former CISA head Chris Krebs, who dared to challenge the false narrative of a stolen 2020 election. The administration’s actions extend beyond simply defunding research; they aim to create a chilling effect, deterring scholars and experts from pursuing crucial work in the public interest.
The assault on academia has been particularly egregious. Trump’s administration has effectively declared war on disinformation research within universities, eliminating NSF grants and launching investigations into perceived bias. This not only undermines the pursuit of knowledge but also jeopardizes the future of the field, discouraging young scholars from entering a domain now deemed politically dangerous. Ironically, the FTC, while investigating alleged censorship, has engaged in its own form of content moderation, further highlighting the hypocrisy of the administration’s stance. The message is clear: research that challenges the preferred narratives of those in power will not be tolerated.
The dismantling of the State Department’s Global Engagement Center, tasked with countering foreign disinformation operations, is another alarming development. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, using familiar rhetoric about free speech and censorship, justified the closure by framing it as a victory against government overreach. However, critics argue that this move leaves the US vulnerable to malicious foreign influence campaigns. The subsequent announcement that Darren Beattie, a known white nationalist, will be involved in reviewing the Center’s work adds another layer of concern, raising fears of a politically motivated witch hunt disguised as an investigation into government censorship.
The Trump administration’s strategy appears rooted in cultivating a sense of grievance among its supporters, portraying themselves as victims of a vast conspiracy to silence conservative voices. This manufactured outrage then serves as justification for increasingly authoritarian measures. The goal is not simply to change policy but to identify and punish perceived enemies, perpetuating a cycle of grievance and retribution. This dynamic fuels a dangerous escalation, with targets facing increasing threats of investigations, discrimination, and reputational damage.
The implications of Trump’s war on disinformation research extend far beyond America’s borders. The cancellation of NSF grants has a ripple effect on international collaborations and jeopardizes the careers of scholars globally. European researchers express concern about the chilling effect on academic freedom and the potential for similar anti-science movements to gain traction in their own countries. The US, once a leader in scientific inquiry, is now seen by some as a cautionary tale. The need for international solidarity among researchers and advocates has become paramount, with calls for greater collaboration and support for those facing persecution. European institutions may offer refuge and resources for US scholars, fostering resilience and ensuring the continuation of vital research.
In the face of this sustained assault, researchers and advocates must adopt a multi-pronged defense. First, they must refuse to cede the rhetorical high ground. Changing terminology from “disinformation” to less politically charged terms like “information integrity” risks undermining the very real threat posed by coordinated campaigns of deception. Second, seeking alliances and refuge abroad, particularly in Europe where regulatory frameworks are stronger, can provide a crucial lifeline for researchers facing pressure in the US. Finally, drawing inspiration from historical examples of resistance against McCarthyism, those targeted by the administration must push back forcefully against these tactics, exposing the absurdity and injustice of the accusations while refusing to be intimidated. Collective action and a willingness to challenge the narrative of victimhood propagated by the administration are essential to safeguarding academic freedom, protecting democratic institutions, and ensuring the integrity of information in the digital age.