The Biden Administration is standing by its controversial funding of a group accused of blacklisting conservative websites. Washington Examiner reported that Global Engagement Center (GEC) had given $100,000 to the Global Disinformation Index (GDI), prompting outrage from conservatives, who demand an investigation.
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) fired shots at the Biden State Department’s interagency GEC over its grant to the GDI. The group, which received funding from the GEC, aimed to “defund and downrank” prominent conservative media outlets. Issa demanded that the State Department put an end to the weaponization of “disinformation” for the purpose of censoring free speech, asserting that it violated the principles of democracy.
However, the State Department defended its actions, claiming that their funding was only focused on combating foreign disinformation overseas, thus denying responsibility for any impact of GDI’s work in the United States. Assistant Secretary Naz Durakoglu stated that the Department stands by the GEC’s crucial role in addressing national security risks.
The Biden administration’s denial of wrongdoing has further disappointed critics like Issa, who believe that it failed to acknowledge the biased targeting of conservative groups for censorship. Issa remains steadfast in pushing for Congress to hold the State Department accountable.
In conclusion, as the battle between the Biden administration and conservatives continues, it is vital that the State Department upholds the principles of democracy in its actions. Furthermore, Big Tech must endeavor to follow the First Amendment and provide transparency in their censorship policies to ensure equal treatment and representation for conservatives.
