Listen to the article
Former President Donald Trump has been identified as the primary source and distributor of disinformation in ethnic and Indigenous press in the United States, according to a comprehensive new study released today.
The report, “Disarming Disinformation: US,” was published by a coalition of academic institutions including the International Center for Journalists, City St George’s University of London, the University of Maryland, and Arizona State University. Researchers analyzed thousands of articles and social media posts while conducting dozens of in-depth interviews during the 2024 presidential election cycle.
Contrary to popular narratives about foreign interference, the study concludes that disinformation was predominantly spread by domestic political forces. This finding comes amid what researchers describe as unprecedented attacks on American press freedoms and declining trust in news media.
The report reveals a troubling statistic: 86% of Americans report having witnessed journalists being harassed or abused online. This normalization of attacks against the press reflects what researchers characterize as deliberate political targeting of journalists.
“With the US creeping closer to authoritarianism and amid escalating attacks on the press and freedom of expression, our finding that 86% of American adults have witnessed a journalist being harassed, abused, or threatened online is sobering,” said Professor Julie Posetti of City St George’s, one of the study’s lead authors.
The research identified closed digital spaces such as WhatsApp groups and WeChat channels as “information cocoons” where disinformation spreads unchecked, often using similar distribution methods as financial scams. These platforms create isolated information environments where falsehoods can circulate without correction or context.
Indigenous communities face particular challenges in the information landscape. The study found that mainstream media’s exclusion or omission of Indigenous voices contributes to disinformation and reinforces racist narratives. This effectively erases these communities’ experiences from political discourse.
Trust in mainstream media continues its downward trend, though with notable racial differences. According to the survey, 32% of people of color expressed distrust in news media, compared to 44% of white respondents.
The research team, led by Professor Posetti along with Professor Sarah Oates from the University of Maryland and Professor K. Hazel Kwon from Arizona State University, employed interdisciplinary methods including computational analysis of over 10,000 news articles and social media posts during the election cycle.
They also conducted in-depth case studies focused on five media outlets serving Black, Indigenous, Latino, and Asian American communities. One notable example was the Haitian Times, which found itself at the center of controversy when Trump and his running mate falsely accused Haitians of eating neighbors’ pets.
“When journalists are pushed out of public spheres, threatened, abused, and harassed in a culture of impunity encouraged by high-level political actors seeking to intimidate them, it’s a sign that an authoritarian crackdown has begun and the integrity of information and accountable governance are at stake,” Posetti warned.
The impacts of these trends are particularly severe for journalists of color. “This crackdown in the US has particularly stark impacts on Black, Indigenous, Latino and Asian American journalists – along with the communities they serve – because they face additional threats at the intersection of disinformation, racism and xenophobia,” Posetti added.
The findings come at a critical moment for American democracy and media freedom, with increasing concerns about the polarization of information sources and the sustainability of independent journalism. Media experts suggest these trends could further accelerate if left unaddressed, potentially creating deeper divisions in how Americans perceive basic facts and current events.
The researchers supplemented their analysis with a public opinion survey of 1,020 American adults focused on attitudes toward disinformation, attacks on the press, and the news media’s democratic function, providing a comprehensive picture of the current information ecosystem in the United States.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
19 Comments
While the findings on Trump’s role in spreading disinformation are not surprising, it’s still deeply concerning. We need to find ways to combat this issue and restore faith in the media.
Agreed. Strengthening media literacy and fact-checking efforts could help mitigate the impact of disinformation campaigns. But political will to address the root causes is crucial.
This report highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the complex challenge of disinformation. It will require a coordinated effort from various stakeholders, including media organizations, tech companies, and policymakers.
The study’s conclusions on the normalization of attacks against the press are particularly worrying. A free and independent media is essential for a healthy democracy, and we cannot allow this trend to continue.
I agree completely. Protecting journalists and ensuring their safety should be a top priority for policymakers and the public. Disinformation thrives in an environment where the media is under attack.
The report’s findings on the targeting of journalists are extremely troubling. Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy, and we cannot allow these attacks to continue unchecked.
Absolutely. Protecting journalists and ensuring their safety is essential for maintaining a free and independent media. This issue requires urgent attention and action.
This is a concerning study on the spread of disinformation in minority media. It’s worrying to see how domestic political forces are contributing to the erosion of press freedoms and public trust in news sources.
I agree, the finding that 86% of Americans have witnessed journalists being harassed online is alarming. This normalization of attacks on the press is incredibly dangerous for a healthy democracy.
This study highlights the need for greater media literacy and critical thinking skills among the public. Combating disinformation requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses both the supply and demand sides.
This study highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the complex challenge of disinformation. Improving media literacy, strengthening fact-checking efforts, and protecting press freedoms should all be key priorities.
The report highlights the critical role of the media in providing accurate, reliable information to all communities. Efforts to undermine that trust are a serious threat that must be addressed.
Absolutely. Disinformation can have severe consequences, especially when it targets vulnerable populations. Protecting press freedoms should be a top priority.
This study sheds light on a worrying trend. Disinformation erodes public discourse and undermines democratic institutions. We must be vigilant in defending the free press and the truth.
The finding that domestic political forces are the primary source of disinformation is a sobering revelation. It underscores the importance of holding our elected leaders accountable for their actions and statements.
Absolutely. Disinformation from political figures can have far-reaching consequences, and we must be vigilant in scrutinizing their claims and holding them to high standards of truthfulness.
While the findings on Trump’s role in spreading disinformation are not surprising, they are still deeply concerning. We must remain vigilant in holding all political actors accountable for their actions.
The report’s focus on disinformation in minority media is particularly important. These communities are often vulnerable to the spread of false narratives, and we must ensure they have access to reliable, unbiased information.
Absolutely. Reaching these communities with fact-based reporting and media literacy initiatives should be a top priority. Disinformation can have devastating impacts on marginalized groups.