Trump Officials Try to Fight Foreign Disinformation They Once Dismissed

Trump administration officials are now mobilizing defenses against foreign disinformation campaigns, a shift from their previous dismissal of such threats. The effort comes as the conflict in Iran has underscored the vulnerability of U.S. information systems to coordinated influence operations from adversaries. Officials and security experts argue that countering foreign disinformation is essential to protecting national security and public confidence in institutions. The administration's change in approach reflects a recognition that hostile actors are actively attempting to shape American public opinion during a period of heightened international tension. The exact scope and resources allocated to these defensive measures remain unclear, but the pivot signals a recalibration of priorities within the White House.