Narrow these 718 — tap a value to filter:
Trait 41
Transparency laws are weakened or unenforced 79Independent media is starved while state-aligned outlets thrive 72Dissenters are labeled unpatriotic, subversive, or corrupt 52Government archives are sealed, sanitized, or destroyed 50Chaos is used as a strategy to fragment focus and disable accountability 49Memory is curated by power—what cannot be controlled is erased 44Journalists investigating the elite are surveilled or smeared 36Elections are flooded with disinformation funded by elite actors 26Law is a weapon of the state, not a limit on its power 23Data and algorithms are used to manipulate, not serve, the public 20Surveillance of ordinary citizens increases; elite crimes remain opaque 20Textbooks and museums are altered to erase dissent and accountability 15National history is rewritten to glorify conquest, not justice 14Dissent is reframed as disorder, treason, or terrorism 13Civil courts are used to harass and silence critics 12Public funds are used for personal glorification and symbolic dominance 10Economic data is selectively published, massaged, or ignored 9Investigations into corruption are blocked, buried, or retaliated against 9Universities are pressured to suppress dissent or lose funding 8Citizenship is stratified by wealth, ideology, and heritage 7Crony capitalism becomes indistinguishable from governance 7Religion is co-opted as a tool of legitimacy and control 7Civil service roles are politicized or privatized 6State power is outsourced to unaccountable private contractors 6Statues, portraits, and records of disfavored leaders are removed without process 5Administrative agencies are deregulated or captured by private interests 4Civic education is hollowed out and replaced with market ideology 4Crimes committed by elite donors or allies are concealed, not prosecuted 4Executive power operates without effective oversight 4Voter suppression is rationalized as election integrity 4Foreign influence is welcomed if it supports regime interests 3Whistleblowers are prosecuted, not protected 3Federal power is weaponized against disfavored states or localities 2Inspectors general are fired or ignored 2Policy outcomes are driven by elite lobbying and financial contributions 2Political appointments are awarded based on loyalty and wealth 2Judicial independence is eroded through politicized appointments 1Opposition parties are allowed but structurally weakened 1Police and military are aligned with elite preservation, not public defense 1Public tragedy is monetized by regime insiders 1Wealth buys not only speech, but law 1
Attack target 50
The Information Environment 296Truth 282The Press 174The Justice Department 75Transparency 72Rule of Law 56Public Memory 36Public Service 29Minorities 25Public Health 25Immigrants & Refugees 22Science 19Elections 18Diplomacy 17Education 16Global Democracy 16Public Norms & Decency 16The Intelligence Community 15The Civil Service 14Culture & the Arts 13The Constitution 12Congress 11The Courts 11Separation of Powers 10The Military 10LGBTQ People 9Peace 6Anti-Corruption Safeguards 5Free Speech 5Inspectors General & Watchdogs 5The Presidency 4Whistleblowers 4Allies 3Children 3Low-Income Americans 3Religious Freedom 3The Idea of America 3Women 3Law Enforcement 2Privacy 2The Economy 2The Sick & Vulnerable 2Workers 2Disabled People 1Dissent & Protest 1Peaceful Transfer of Power 1Presidential Succession & Capacity 1The Environment 1The Internet 1Trade 1
Tier 1 carried by a primary record
Corroborated 2+ independent news desks
Every result is verified and democracy-related.
Open an event to see its evidence. Attack and trait tags link to their definitions
May 21, 2025 The Chicago Sun-Times and a content partner published and then acknowledged an AI-generated reading list containing fake books Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
The incident showed how weak editorial controls over AI content can spread false information and erode trust in news institutions.
Independently corroborated by2 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Chicago Sun-Times Confirms AI-Generated Reading List — The Chicago Sun-Times confirmed that a summer reading list, which included several non-existent book titles, was created using artificial intelligence by a freelancer working with one of their content partners.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 18 – 2025-05-17–2025-05-23
wk18_IM_012
May 21, 2025 The Department of Defense and the White House confirmed and defended acceptance of the Qatari jet while disputing how the arrangement began Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
Conflicting official accounts about a foreign aircraft deal raised transparency concerns around executive communications and public disclosure.
Independently corroborated by4 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Defense Department Confirms Acceptance of Jet Gift from Qatar — The Defense Department confirmed the US government's acceptance of a jumbo jet from Qatar to be used as Air Force One.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 18 – 2025-05-17–2025-05-23
wk18_IM_015
May 20, 2025 Verizon removed DEI webpages and references from its public website Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
Deleting public records of prior commitments altered the visible institutional record and reduced transparency about a major company's policy reversal.
Independently corroborated by2 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Verizon Scrubs DEI References from Website — Verizon has removed multiple webpages related to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from its website.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 18 – 2025-05-17–2025-05-23
wk18_IM_009
May 20, 2025 The DNI chief of staff ordered edits to an intelligence assessment on Venezuela to avoid political harm to top officials Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
Directing intelligence edits for political protection threatened the integrity of state information used in public decision-making.
Independently corroborated by2 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- DNI Chief of Staff Orders Edits to Intelligence Assessment — The New York Times reported that the DNI chief of staff ordered edits to an intelligence assessment on Venezuela, aiming to prevent its use against the DNI or POTUS.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 18 – 2025-05-17–2025-05-23
wk18_IM_011
May 19, 2025 Jon Stewart criticized CNN's promotion of Jake Tapper's book during coverage of Biden's diagnosis Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
The criticism highlighted concerns about commercial incentives shaping news judgment and public trust in media priorities.
Independently corroborated by4 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Jon Stewart criticizes CNN's promotion of his book — Jon Stewart criticized CNN and host Jake Tapper for their excessive promotion of his book, particularly in light of Biden's cancer diagnosis, questioning the motives behind the media's focus.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 18 – 2025-05-17–2025-05-23
wk18_IM_008
May 17, 2025 President Trump reposted conspiracy material about James Comey and the Clintons Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
Amplifying conspiracy content from a leading political actor degraded factual discourse and normalized disinformation as elite communication.
Independently corroborated by5 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump posts on Truth Social about Comey — Trump reposted on Truth Social, accusing former FBI Director James Comey of orchestrating a death threat and demanding accountability for his actions, reflecting ongoing tensions between Trump and former officials.
- Trump Reposts "Clinton Body Count" Conspiracy Theory Video — Trump reposted a video promoting the debunked "Clinton body count" conspiracy theory, which baselessly accuses the Clintons of being responsible for several deaths.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 18 – 2025-05-17–2025-05-23
wk18_IM_003
May 17, 2025 DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin falsely accused House Democrats of assaulting ICE officers despite contrary video evidence Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
The false claim used official messaging to discredit oversight lawmakers and muddy the factual record around executive conduct.
Independently corroborated by5 independent news desks
NBC News · PBS · The Hill · ProPublica · National Review
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- DHS Spokesperson Accuses House Democrats of Assaulting ICE Officers — DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin accused House Democrats of "bodyslamming" ICE officers during a visit to a detention facility, despite video evidence to the contrary.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 18 – 2025-05-17–2025-05-23
wk18_IM_004
May 17, 2025 The White House Correspondents Association criticized the exclusion of wire service reporters from Air Force One coverage on Trump's Middle East trip Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
Restricting routine press access reduced transparency around presidential travel and limited the public's independent view of executive actions.
Independently corroborated by1 independent news desk
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- WHCA criticizes restrictions on Air Force One coverage — The White House Correspondents Association issued a statement expressing concern that Trump's trip to the Middle East marks the first time no wire service reporter was aboard Air Force One, indicating a restriction on
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 18 – 2025-05-17–2025-05-23
wk18_IM_005
May 17, 2025 The Secret Service, DHS, and the FBI opened an investigation into James Comey's '8647' social media post Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
Investigating a former official over an ambiguous post raised concerns that threat assessments could be shaped by political pressure and public messaging.
Independently corroborated by4 independent news desks
BBC · NBC News · ProPublica · The Dispatch
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Secret Service launches investigation into James Comey's social media post — The Secret Service has initiated an investigation into a social media post by former FBI Director James Comey.
- Investigation initiated into James Comey’s Instagram post — The Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service are investigating former FBI director James Comey following his Instagram post that some interpreted as a threat against President Donald Trump.
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 18 – 2025-05-17–2025-05-23
wk18_IM_006
May 16, 2025 The Trump administration fired nearly 600 Voice of America contractors Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The firings weakened an independent public broadcaster and increased executive control over a major international news institution.
Independently corroborated by7 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump administration fires nearly 600 contractors at Voice of America — The Trump administration has terminated nearly 600 contractors at Voice of America (VOA), a US-funded international news network.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 17 – 2025-05-10–2025-05-16
wk17_IM_009
May 16, 2025 The EPA published notice that environmental impact statements were available for public review Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The notice supported public access to government records and participation in environmental decision-making.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reports
- EPA Notice of Availability of Environmental Impact Statements — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a notice of availability for several Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) filed between May 5 and May 12, 2025.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 17 – 2025-05-10–2025-05-16
wk17_IM_014
May 15, 2025 Tulsi Gabbard fired the National Intelligence Council chair and deputy after a report contradicted Trump's claims Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The firings suggested political punishment for unwelcome intelligence analysis and weakened the independence of official information channels.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reports
- National Intelligence Council chair and deputy fired — On May 8, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard fired acting National Intelligence Council chair Michael Collins and deputy Maria Langan-Reikhof after the NIC produced a report contradicting President Trump's
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 17 – 2025-05-10–2025-05-16
wk17_IM_007
May 14, 2025 President Trump and senior officials called for action against James Comey over a social media post and backed a federal investigation Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
Treating an ambiguous post as a threat risked using state power to stigmatize a critic and shape public discourse through intimidation.
Independently corroborated by3 independent news desks
BBC · PBS · The Dispatch
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Investigation into James Comey for alleged threat — DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced an investigation into former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly calling for the assassination of President Trump.
- Trump calls for arrest of James Comey — Trump and senior members of his administration called for the arrest of former FBI Director James Comey after he posted a photo interpreted as a threat against Trump.
- Secret Service Investigates James Comey's Instagram Post — The U.S.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 17 – 2025-05-10–2025-05-16
wk17_IM_013
May 13, 2025 Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly concluded that the Qatar plane transfer was legally permissible Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
The legal blessing affected public transparency by framing a disputed foreign gift as lawful without congressional approval.
Independently corroborated by6 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Attorney General's Ruling on Qatar Plane Transfer — Attorney General Pam Bondi has reportedly concluded that the transfer of a luxury 747 from Qatar to the U.S.
- Allegations of corruption involving Trump and Qatar — Allegations have surfaced regarding a $400 million gift from Qatar to President Donald J.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 17 – 2025-05-10–2025-05-16
wk17_IM_005
May 12, 2025 The White House Correspondents' Association criticized the exclusion of wire service reporters from Air Force One Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The exclusion restricted broad press access to presidential travel and reduced the pool reporting to the public in real time.
Independently corroborated by1 independent news desk
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- WHCA criticized exclusion of wire service reporters from Air Force One — The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) expressed concern over the exclusion of wire service reporters from Air Force One during President Trump's trip to the Middle East.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 17 – 2025-05-10–2025-05-16
wk17_IM_004
May 10, 2025 The Pentagon ordered military academies to ignore race and sex in admissions and remove DEI and gender-related books from libraries Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
The directives reshaped what military institutions could teach, read, and consider, tightening political control over education and memory.
Independently corroborated by2 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Pentagon memo alters military academy admissions criteria — On May 9, 2025, the Pentagon sent a memo to military training academies instructing them to disregard race, ethnicity, or sex in their admissions process, focusing solely on merit.
- Pentagon orders removal of DEI and gender ideology books — On May 9, 2025, the Pentagon issued a directive to military leaders to review and remove books related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and gender ideology from their libraries.
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 17 – 2025-05-10–2025-05-16
wk17_IM_010
May 9, 2025 Pope Francis sent American bishops a letter rejecting J.D. Vance’s interpretation of Catholic teaching on migrants Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
The letter directly contested a political narrative that used religious language to justify exclusionary policy.
Independently corroborated by2 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Pope Francis responds to J.D. Vance's interpretation of Catholic theology — On February 10, 2025, Pope Francis sent a letter to American bishops correcting Vice-President J.D.
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 16 – 2025-05-03–2025-05-09
wk16_IM_012
May 7, 2025 Voice of America leadership under Kari Lake contracted with One America News for newsfeed and video services Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The deal threatened the editorial neutrality of a public broadcaster by replacing independent reporting capacity with partisan content supply.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Voice of America Contracts with One America News for Newsfeed — Voice of America (VoA), a government-funded organization, has contracted with One America News (OAN), a hard-right news network, to provide newsfeed and video services.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 16 – 2025-05-03–2025-05-09
wk16_IM_008
May 7, 2025 Attorney General Pam Bondi rolled back protections for the press in leak investigations Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The rollback increased the risk of government pressure on journalists and weakened safeguards for reporting on official misconduct.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reports
- Attorney General Pam Bondi rolls back press protections — Following critical reporting by the New York Times and Washington Post regarding the Trump administration's claims about Venezuela, Attorney General Pam Bondi used this coverage as justification to roll back
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 16 – 2025-05-03–2025-05-09
wk16_IM_009
May 7, 2025 Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard attacked the Wall Street Journal over reporting on Greenland intelligence gathering Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The response framed critical reporting as harmful to democracy and added pressure on the press in a national security context.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reports
- Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard responds to media report — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard criticized the Wall Street Journal for allegedly politicizing and leaking classified information regarding intelligence-gathering efforts about Greenland, claiming it
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 16 – 2025-05-03–2025-05-09
wk16_IM_010
May 7, 2025 The FCC sought comments on children’s educational programming reporting requirements Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The notice concerned how broadcasters document compliance with public-interest obligations tied to use of the airwaves.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reports
- FCC Seeks Comments on Information Collection — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a notice inviting public comments on its information collection practices under the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 16 – 2025-05-03–2025-05-09
wk16_IM_011
May 6, 2025 Shari Redstone and Paramount Global intervened in CBS News coverage while seeking FCC approval for a merger Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The intervention suggested political and regulatory pressure could shape editorial decisions inside a major news organization.
Independently corroborated by3 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump Administration's Influence on CBS News Coverage — Shari Redstone, chair of Paramount Global, has reportedly intervened in CBS News' coverage of President Trump to appease FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 16 – 2025-05-03–2025-05-09
wk16_IM_006
May 6, 2025 The FCC investigated CBS News for alleged news distortion Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The investigation raised concerns that broadcast regulation was being used to pressure editorial independence and punish disfavored reporting.
Independently corroborated by3 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- FCC Investigation into CBS News for "News Distortion" — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), led by Chairman Brendan Carr, has launched an investigation into CBS News for alleged "news distortion" following a 60 Minutes interview with then-Vice President Kamala
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 16 – 2025-05-03–2025-05-09
wk16_IM_007
May 5, 2025 TeleMessage suspended service after a suspected hack exposed messages tied to officials Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The breach raised concerns about the security and integrity of communications used by people close to government power.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- TeleMessage app suspends service over suspected hack — The TeleMessage app, used by Mike Waltz, Donald Trump’s former national security adviser, has temporarily suspended its services due to a suspected hack.
- Security breach reported in TeleMessage app used by officials — A report revealed that a hacker breached the TeleMessage app, which is used by administration officials, compromising sensitive data related to Customs and Border Protection and banking institutions.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 16 – 2025-05-03–2025-05-09
wk16_IM_004
May 3, 2025 Major news outlets misreported the role of imports in first-quarter GDP Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
The reporting error mattered because false economic narratives can shape public opinion and policy debates on trade.
Independently corroborated by2 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Misreporting of GDP impact by major news outlets — Major news outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC, and the Washington Post, reported that imports negatively impacted U.S.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 16 – 2025-05-03–2025-05-09
wk16_IM_002