Biden Administration’s $267 Million "Misinformation" Spending Sparks Free Speech Concerns
A recent report by Open the Books, a nonpartisan government watchdog, has revealed a dramatic increase in federal spending on research related to "misinformation" under the Biden administration. Since 2021, the administration has allocated at least $267 million to grants and contracts targeting "misinformation" and "disinformation," representing a staggering 3,800% increase compared to the $6.72 million spent during the first Trump administration. This surge in spending has ignited concerns about potential threats to civil liberties and free speech, particularly online. Critics argue that the government’s involvement in fact-checking and efforts to curb speech, especially when financed by taxpayer dollars, is deeply troubling.
The report by Open the Books delves into specific examples of how these funds have been utilized, raising further alarms. Researchers allege that the Biden administration has supported initiatives that resemble Orwellian surveillance and propaganda, developed tools to restrict online speech, and even financed politically charged reports critical of former President Trump. One instance cited is a $2.3 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to the University of Pennsylvania in 2022. This grant was intended to investigate "heterogeneity in COVID-19 misinformation exposure" among specific communities and inform targeted public health messaging. The research description suggests the project involves collecting and analyzing extensive social media data, raising concerns about potential surveillance overreach.
This example is not isolated. Similar COVID-19 misinformation projects have received funding at other universities, including the University of Texas and Michigan State University. While health misinformation poses a legitimate concern, critics question the Biden administration’s and these institutions’ authority on the matter, citing instances where they themselves disseminated inaccurate information during the pandemic. The University of Pennsylvania, for instance, maintained strict mask mandates and published research supporting their effectiveness, despite mounting evidence challenging their efficacy. The grant to the University of Pennsylvania remains active until 2027, ensuring continued taxpayer funding for this research.
The Department of Homeland Security’s involvement adds another layer of concern. The DHS contracted Guidehouse, a defense contractor, to conduct "misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation analysis" for $1.2 million. Guidehouse assists clients, including governments, in combating online misinformation through a six-step approach which includes monitoring the information landscape and crafting "counter-messages." Critics fear this could be exploited to further restrict speech and suppress dissenting viewpoints. Instances of government pressure on social media companies to censor content damaging to left-leaning politicians and their families, like Hunter Biden, fuel these concerns.
The Biden administration’s funding of partisan research targeting political opponents further exacerbates the issue. The National Science Foundation granted nearly $200,000 to George Washington University for a study examining the influence of "populist" leaders on pandemic communication. The research focused on former President Trump and leaders of three other countries, suggesting a politically motivated agenda. The report recommended granting more authority to academics, government officials, and "experts" in managing future health crises, raising concerns about potential censorship and suppression of dissenting perspectives.
The core issue revolves around the government’s role in regulating and controlling online speech. Critics argue that a government committed to free speech principles should not allocate vast sums of taxpayer money to monitor, combat, or research citizens’ speech. Former President Trump has pledged to defend free speech, and dismantling these "misinformation" programs would be a significant step in fulfilling this promise. The debate over the balance between combating misinformation and protecting free speech remains a crucial challenge in today’s digital landscape.