Trump’s Second Term: An Escalating War on Disinformation Research and Its Defenders
The re-election of Donald Trump in 2024 ushered in a new era of hostility towards disinformation research and those who conduct it. The simmering tensions between the Trump administration and social media platforms over content moderation during his first term boiled over into open warfare. Conservative grievances, fueled by the pandemic, social unrest, and the 2020 election, morphed into a concerted campaign to dismantle institutions and discredit individuals involved in combating disinformation. This campaign, once characterized by fragmented efforts, gained frightening momentum and focus under the second Trump administration, posing a grave threat to the integrity of information and democratic processes.
The opening salvos of this war were swift and decisive. Trump signed an executive order on his first day back in office, purportedly to protect free speech but effectively kneecapping government efforts to counter disinformation. This order led to the disbanding of an FBI task force dedicated to investigating foreign election interference and effectively neutered the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Key agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), responsible for safeguarding election systems, were drastically downsized and subjected to partisan reviews, with former CISA head Chris Krebs publicly vilified and targeted. These actions signaled a clear abandonment of government responsibility for protecting the nation from disinformation and foreign influence.
The assault extended beyond government agencies to academia and the scientific community. The National Science Foundation (NSF) eliminated grants for research on disinformation, election security, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, effectively silencing critical areas of inquiry. Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), despite facing criticism from experts, launched an investigation into alleged social media bias, ironically employing its own form of content moderation by censoring public comments. This hypocrisy underscores the cynical manipulation of “free speech” rhetoric to suppress unfavorable research and dissent.
The State Department also became a battleground in this war. Secretary of State Marco Rubio shut down the remaining vestiges of the office dedicated to countering global disinformation, echoing familiar conservative tropes about censorship and free speech. Rubio argued that Americans didn’t need government agencies to protect them from lies, a stance that critics warned would leave the US vulnerable to foreign interference. This dismantling was accompanied by a promise of a "Twitter Files sequel," focusing on the now-shuttered Global Engagement Center, with the investigation led by Darren Beattie, a known white nationalist previously fired from the Trump administration.
The implications of these actions extend far beyond individual researchers and institutions. The administration’s relentless pursuit of perceived enemies creates a chilling effect, discouraging critical research and fostering a climate of fear. The weaponization of grievance and retribution has become a core tenet of the administration’s governing strategy, solidifying a narrative of conservative victimhood and justifying increasingly authoritarian tactics. This cycle of grievance, retribution, and escalating authoritarianism poses a significant threat to democratic norms and institutions.
The international community is also feeling the repercussions. The cancellation of NSF grants has jeopardized international collaborations and the careers of young scholars, impacting disinformation research globally. Experts warn that this anti-science, anti-disinformation playbook could be easily replicated in other countries, eroding trust in scientific inquiry and democratic processes worldwide. The chilling effect extends beyond US borders, affecting researchers’ willingness to travel to or collaborate with US institutions. The erosion of established scientific processes, such as honoring granted research funding, undermines the very foundation of scientific progress.
The Path Forward: Resistance, Collaboration, and Defiance
In the face of this escalating assault, researchers and advocates must adopt a multi-pronged strategy for resistance. This includes challenging the dominant narrative, seeking international allies, and refusing to be silenced. Abandoning the term “disinformation” in favor of more palatable alternatives, as some have suggested, would be a tactical error, effectively ceding ground to the very forces seeking to suppress this critical field of research. Researchers must hold their ground and continue to expose disinformation tactics, regardless of the political pressure they face.
International collaboration offers another avenue for resistance. European researchers, operating within a stronger regulatory framework, are better positioned to withstand political interference. Strengthening ties between US and European researchers, through initiatives like exchange programs and joint research projects, could provide a lifeline for US scholars facing increasing pressure at home. Sharing resources and expertise is crucial for ensuring the survival and continued development of disinformation research.
Finally, researchers and advocates must resist the instinct to comply with unjust demands and instead adopt a strategy of defiant transparency. Drawing inspiration from those who challenged the House Un-American Activities Committee during the McCarthy era, researchers summoned to testify before politically motivated hearings should use these opportunities to expose the absurdity and injustice of the proceedings. Fighting spectacle with spectacle can help shift public opinion and expose the true motives behind these attacks.
The current situation demands collective action and defiance. Individual researchers are vulnerable, but the field as a whole possesses significant power. By standing together, researchers, advocates, and civil society organizations can create a more robust defense against the ongoing assault. Continued engagement in international forums, like the Cambridge Disinformation Summit, is crucial for fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and amplifying the voices of those working to defend the integrity of information in an increasingly hostile environment. The fight against disinformation is a global struggle, and international solidarity is essential for success.