Disinformation, Lies and the Media

The Biden administration has decided to create a Disinformation Governance Board (current name used) under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). His appointee, Jen Psaki has stated, “This is a continuation of work that was done under the Trump administration to take steps to address disinformation.” Of course, the Democrats was firmly against it when Trump attempted to create it, and now that Biden is putting it together, the Republicans are pushing hard against it.

In a statement from DHS, “The spread of disinformation can affect border security, Americans’ safety during disasters, and public trust in our democratic institutions.” Ms. Psaki said that the Disinformation Board would not determine the truth or falsehood of any statement, and that was not its mission.” So, what exactly is it going to do? Certainly, the goal is given as protecting the country, but wouldn’t ensuring that facts are being stated and circulated be fundamental to actual safety?

The Associated Press reported that the Board would immediately begin focusing on migration and human smuggling. Of course, almost nobody would argue against that and it has the stench of a statement given to appease the masses and any questions. Now, I’m sure that it would be used to combat Russian disinformation, but in what manner. What is the authority and capability of the Disinformation Governance Board? How will it work with or against the media?

As much as Trump is despised by Millennial Z and Boomer X, the obvious disinformation against Trump by the mainstream media created a sympathetic effect even by those that don’t particularly like him and if you were on the fence became indignant on his behalf and would identify with him. Also, the obvious omission and denial of facts surrounding Biden’s son, his business dealings in the Ukraine and information on his laptop to misrepresent his activities or pretend there was nothing to see immediately makes people dismissive and distrustful of the mainstream media. The reactions to the ever changing narratives regarding COVID-19 by the media further solidified the average person’s distrust of the media. However, it seemingly came from government insiders. So how would the Disinformation Governance Board make any difference?

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