By December 31, 2025, America Could Find Itself Without a Currency

The man who worked side-by-side figures like Warren Buffett, Alan Greenspan, Ron Paul, Jim Rickards, and Steve Forbes... authored several best-selling financial classics, including Financial Reckoning Day, Empire of Debt, and Demise of the Dollar... is rocking the investment world once again with the recent release of the most controversial prediction in his storied career.

Russia amplified hurricane disinformation to drive Americans apart, researchers find

DAVID KLEPPER
October 24, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Russia has helped amplify and spread false and misleading internet claims about recent hurricanes in the United States and the federal government's response, part of a wider effort by the Kremlin to manipulate America's political discourse before the presidential election, new research shows.

The content, spread by Russian state media and networks of social media accounts and websites, criticizes the federal response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, exploiting legitimate concerns about the recovery effort in an attempt to paint American leaders as incompetent and corrupt, according to research from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. The London-based organization tracks disinformation and online extremism.

In some cases, the claims about the storms include fake images created using artificial intelligence, such as a photo depicting scenes of devastating flooding at Disney World that never happened, researchers say.

The approach is consistent with the Kremlin's long-standing practice of identifying legitimate debates and contentious issues in the U.S. and then exploiting them. Previous disinformation campaigns have harnessed debates about immigration, racism, crime and the economy in an effort to portray the U.S. as corrupt, violent and unjust.

U.S. intelligence officials and private tech companies say Russian activity has increased sharply before the Nov. 5 election as Moscow tries to capitalize on an opportunity to undermine its chief global adversary.

By seizing on real concerns about disaster recovery, Russia's disinformation agencies can worm their way into U.S. discourse, using hot-button issues to undermine Americans' trust in their government and each other.

"These are not situations that foreign actors are creating," said Melanie Smith, director of research at ISD. "They're simply pouring gasoline on fires that already exist."

The content identified by ISD included English-language posts obviously meant for Americans, as well as Russian-language propaganda intended for domestic audiences. Much of the disinformation took aim at the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Democratic administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. She is her party's nominee in the White House race against former President Donald Trump.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine remains the Kremlin's prime motivation for spreading lies about the hurricane response. If Russia can persuade enough Americans to oppose U.S. support for Ukraine, that could ease the way for a Moscow victory, officials and analysts have said.

U.S. intelligence officials have said Russia's disinformation seems designed to support Trump, who has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and disparaged the NATO alliance and Ukraine's leaders. Posts linked to Russia routinely denigrate Harris, saying she is ignoring the pleas of storm victims. By contrast, a recent post from Russian state media company RT called Trump "a mystical figure of historic proportions."

Intelligence officials confirmed Tuesday that Russia created a manipulated video to smear Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Russia has rejected claims that it trying to meddle in the U.S. election. The Russian Embassy hasn't responded to messages this week seeking comment about recent allegations by researchers and intelligence officials.

Researchers at ISD found that Russian disinformation agents exploited weak content moderation on U.S.-owned social media platforms such as X to spread their content far and wide. Before it was purchased and renamed by Elon Musk, the platform once known as Twitter required labels on content from authoritarian state media. Musk rescinded that rule and gutted the platform's content moderation efforts, leading to a surge in foreign propaganda, hate speech and extremist recruitment.

Often the false or misleading claims come from fake accounts or websites that mimic Americans or legitimate news outlets, making it difficult to determine their true origin. Unsuspecting Americans then repost and spread the content.

In July, American intelligence officials warned that "unwitting Americans" were helping do Russia's work for it.

Vast armies of fake or automated accounts help spread the material further.

Researchers at the Israeli tech firm Cyabra analyzed popular posts on X that criticized FEMA for its storm response. A significant number could not be verified as belonging to a real person; one-quarter of all the responses to popular posts were deemed fake. The posts were seen by users over half a billion times.

In response, a spokesperson for X pointed to the platform's system that allows users to add context to posts with false claims. The company did not respond to questions about its labeling policy.

"The false claims, ranging from FEMA diverting funds to aid migrants to conspiracy theories about weather manipulation, undermine public trust in government as we near election day, which could seriously impact voter confidence," Cyabra researchers said in a report.

Politicians also have helped spread Russia's talking points.

Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., gave an interview to the Russian state media outlet Sputnik News for a piece that played up criticism of the hurricane response. He told Sputnik that the federal response was "nonexistent," a claim easily debunked by photos and videos of FEMA recovery workers as well as the firsthand accounts of local leaders and residents in hard-hit regions.

Gosar repeated another misleading claim that "billions of FEMA disaster funds" had been given instead to immigrants without legal status. In truth, money that funds U.S. border control and immigration programs comes from a different source than disaster funds.

Gosar's office did not respond to messages seeking comment Wednesday.

Continue Reading...

Popular

White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign

WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official on Wednesday said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign.

Are you a former SmileDirectClub customer? You might be eligible for a refund

NEW YORK (AP) — When shut down a year ago, scores of existing . Now, tens of thousands are set to get some relief.

$1 Electric Aviation Stock With Tremendous Potential - Ad

The electric aviation market is just taking off, and this company is at the forefront. With significant revenue and strategic partnerships, this stock is poised to make a big impact.

Delaware judge reaffirms ruling that invalidated massive Tesla pay package for Elon Musk

DOVER, Del. (AP) — A Delaware judge has reaffirmed her ruling that Tesla must revoke Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package

At the crossroads of news and opinion, 'Morning Joe' hosts grapple with aftermath of Trump meeting

One of the striking things about how furiously many people reacted to the news last week that MSNBC “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski was how quaint their defenders sounded.

Elon's New Tech Could Be Bigger Than Tesla & SpaceX... Combined - Ad

Forget rockets or brain implants... Elon's new AI product could be his biggest invention yet. Jeff Brown tried it himself recently and caught his experience on camera. See this footage because according to Tesla Magazine, this new product "could well shape the technological and economic future of our society."

Tesla Cybertruck Crash In California Claims 3 Lives, Leaves 1 Seriously Injured

In a tragic incident early Wednesday, a Tesla Cybertruck crashed in Piedmont, California, resulting in three fatalities and one serious injury.

Vietnam approves $67 billion high-speed railway project between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Vietnam on Saturday approved the construction of a high-speed railway connecting the capital Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh city in the south at an estimated cost of $67 billion.

"This Will Be Worse Than the Great Depression, the Dot-Com Crash, and the 2008 Crisis Combined" - Ad

According to Dan Ferris, who has predicted nearly every major market crisis of the last 25 years, a new crisis in the US economy could soon cost you 50% of your portfolio or more if you don't prepare your wealth now. Especially if you're sitting on large gains.

SEC Approves America's First 24-Hour Stock Exchange — What It Means For You

U.S. regulators approved the nation's first 24-hour stock exchange on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in American securities trading as retail investors increasingly demand round-the-clock market access.

Stocks to Buy (and Sell) Before Inauguration Day

Experts predict Trump's policies will positively affect energy, finance, defense sectors; stocks to buy include EPD, JPM, LMT, while others may decline.

This $2 Stock Outshines Historic Gold Rally! - Ad

Gold has soared 25% in the last 6 months, but this young company has more than doubled that return. With a price target nearly double its current value, it's caught the eye of 40+ investment banks and funds. Discover the name of this standout company today and see why it's a potential gold mine for investors.

Here's How Ray Dalio Thinks Trump's Second Term Could Reshape the US and the World

Donald Trump's second term as president is expected to bring about a significant shift in the global and domestic order, with Trump's selections for key posts set to aid in this transformation.

The IRS is at risk of losing $20 billion in funding without legislative intervention

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Already bracing for funding cuts under a new Trump administration, U.S. Treasury officials are calling on Congress to unlock $20 billion in IRS enforcement money that is tied up in legislative language that has effectively rendered the money frozen.

Crypto Stocks Surge Amid Market Boom - Ad

Crypto stocks are on fire as Bitcoin hits all-time highs. One under-the-radar company is leading the charge, managing $2.1 billion in client assets and seeing record trading volumes. With crypto adoption skyrocketing, this could be a game-changing opportunity.

UPS to pay $45M to US settle charges that it improperly valued its freight division

UPS will pay $45 million to settle charges that it improperly valued its freight division, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced Friday.

Mississippi Gulf Coast restaurant and its co-owner are sentenced for mislabeling seafood

GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi Gulf Coast restaurant and its co-owner it were sentenced Monday on federal charges of as local premium fish.

A $50 Backdoor Play On Elon's Next "Super-IPO"? - Ad

Elon Musk has become Trump's most trusted advisors. According to one legendary investor... We are leading up to the world's first "Super-IPO" -- a company creating over $100 billion on the first day it goes public! Knowing about this "backdoor" play could be the best way to profit before the IPO...Starting with as little as $50.

Palantir Board Member In A Deleted X Post Said Nasdaq Move Will 'Force Billions In ETF Buying And Deliver Tendies': Here's What This Meme-Stock Term Means

Palantir Technologies Inc has been making headlines after its board member, and partner at 8VC, Alex Moore deleted his X (formerly Twitter) account after saying in a tweet that its move to Nasdaq will "force billions in ETF buying."

Top Choice for Tech-Savvy Investors - Ad

Exploring the next wave of electric aviation stocks? This company is leading the charge with its innovative approach to electrification and strong industry ties.

Zuckerberg dines with Trump in Mar-a-Lago

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Donald Trump dined on Wednesday with Meta CEO at the president-elect’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, bringing together the Facebook founder and the former president who was once banned from that social network.

Google Hit With Groundbreaking Antitrust Lawsuit In Canada Over Ad Tech Tools

Canada's Competition Bureau has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google, demanding the sale of key ad tech tools and penalties for alleged anti-competitive practices, echoing similar U.S. actions.

Single Stock Blueprint Available Now - Ad

Market Wizard Larry Benedict is one of the most successful traders you'll ever meet...But he doesn't make money the traditional way. In short: It's a way to trade just one stock...And potentially make all the money you need to fast-track your retirement -- no matter what happens in the stock market.

Radical Jaguar rebrand and new logo sparks ire online

NEW YORK (AP) — A for a rebrand of British luxury car brand Jaguar is being criticized online for showing models in brightly colored outfits — and no car.

What will happen to CNBC and MSNBC when they no longer have a corporate connection to NBC News?

Comcast's means that there will soon be two television networks with “NBC” in their name — CNBC and MSNBC — that will no longer have any corporate connection to NBC News.

Tech Funds Are Hemorrhaging Cash: Sell This Stock Now - Ad

U.S. technology funds are HEMORRHAGING cash. It's the biggest selloff since the 2022 bear market. A 50-year Wall Street veteran just explained everything you need to know. For now, he's pounding the table on the No. 1 tech stock to BUY before 2024 comes to an end... And the No.1 tech stock Wall Street says to sell NOW.

What to know about Scott Bessent, Trump's pick for treasury secretary

WASHINGTON (AP) — has chosen money manager Scott Bessent, an advocate for deficit reduction and deregulation, to serve as his next treasury secretary.

How Musk & Trump Could Launch These Stocks Higher - Ad

Tesla (TSLA) stock has surged. But the real opportunity? Musk's AI venture, xAI. With Trump's presidency, xAI could soon lead the AI race, backed by strong government connections and fewer regulatory barriers. This powerhouse collaboration could fuel massive growth in the AI sector, and xAI may become Elon's biggest company yet.

India's Adani says his group is committed to compliance after US bribery and fraud charges

NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian tycoon Gautam Adani said his conglomerate is committed to “world-class regulatory compliance” after being indicted and an alleged bribery scheme worth millions of dollars, his first remarks since the accusations surfaced.

Why Do So Many Billionaire Investors Seem Scared of This Bull Run? - Ad

Well-connected billionaires like Warren Buffett have been selling off US stocks at an alarming rate. Today, one of America's most trusted market experts is stepping forward to explain what's really going on behind the scenes of this bull market - and why you could soon face losses of 50% or more if you do nothing.

Black Friday, Cyber Monday Shopping Set To Break Sales Records

Retailers are expecting a record-breaking Black Friday to Cyber Monday shopping period as cash-strapped consumers are expected to shop early in the holiday season for sales promotions and savings.

3 killed, 1 seriously injured in Tesla Cybertruck crash in Northern California

PIEDMONT, Calif. (AP) — Three people were killed and one seriously injured early Wednesday when a Tesla Cybertruck crashed and caught fire in Northern California, officials said.

Analysts Are Projecting "Safe-Haven" Stock Will Nearly Double - Ad

Already up nearly 50% in the last 6 months this gold company has an analyst target nearly twice its current price. With 45 investment banks and funds already invested it's no wonder this $1.3B company (trading under $2) is grabbing investor attention.

Stock market today: Asian shares are mixed after Big Tech losses pull Wall Street lower

BANGKOK (AP) — Shares were mixed Thursday in Asia after stocks on Wall Street retreated, weighed down by losses for technology shares.

Malaysian billionaire tycoon Ananda Krishnan dies at age 86

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Ananda Krishnan, one of Malaysia's richest tycoons with a vast business empire including telecommunications, media, petroleum and real estate, has died. He was 86.

Former Trump Advisor: "This Could Destroy Families" - Ad

A huge change is coming to America, and it scares the life out of former Trump advisor Brad Thomas. He calls it "America's next big economic crisis" and warns it will forever reshape our country, potentially destroying lives and ripping families apart. And according to him, even President Trump can't stop it.

Austria says Russia's Gazprom will cut off natural gas supply this weekend

VIENNA (AP) — Russia’s state-owned natural gas company Gazrom will cut off supplies to Austria’s OMV utility early Saturday, Austria’s chancellor said, adding that his country’s underground gas storage was full and that it had alternative, non-Russia supplies.

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright systemtrading.ca
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service