A network of 56 X accounts is posing as young women, stealing their photos, and using their likenesses to proliferate pro-Trump propaganda. A joint investigation by CNN and the Center for Information Resilience (CIR) found that at least 17 European women —hailing from countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and Russia — were impacted by this.
Primarily according to the CIR, these accounts manipulate images in order to spread conspiracy theories, disinformation, and MAGA (Make America Great Again) slogans. They also weigh in on divisive topics like Ukrainian aid and LGBTQ+ rights.
In order to garner a following, these accounts used strategies like “Trump Trains” and calls for likes and retweets from fellow MAGA accounts. Furthermore, to throw others off the scent, these accounts falsely accused others of stealing their photos.
While some of these women reported these accounts, X purportedly took little action until they were approached for comment by CNN. Within 24 hours, the majority of these accounts had been taken down.
“By hijacking images of the influencers, these accounts clearly recognize the value of creating a believable human persona that followers can relate to – they share photographs of the women at the beach, out at a café, or doing their make-up,” Benjamin Strick, CIR’s director of investigation, told CNN in a statement.
“But beyond the fact of their theft, of most concern is the way that the images are edited and manipulated, he said. “Some of these accounts are also posting disinformation and conspiracy theories – which in some cases are accruing thousands of views.”
The most ironic part? Some of these X accounts are verified.
