In a recent development, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has alleged that the Biden administration directed over $66 million in taxpayer dollars to nonprofits and academic institutions for “misinformation research.” According to Cruz, this move was an attempt by the federal government to censor Americans and avoid liability for infringing upon their First Amendment rights.
Cruz, who has been conducting a months-long investigation into Big Tech’s content moderation and alleged censorship practices, asserts that the suppression of free speech on social media has been driven by government agencies and third parties funded by taxpayers. He claims that the Biden administration not only flagged content directly to social media companies but also funneled money to private-sector third parties, including nonprofits and academic institutions, who then pressured these companies to remove content and accounts.
By using third parties as intermediaries, government agencies aimed to distance themselves from any responsibility for violating Americans’ constitutional rights. Cruz provided examples, such as the State Department’s efforts to counter foreign propaganda, where individuals identified as “inauthentic” included everyday Americans. Additionally, the National Science Foundation funded “Election Integrity Partnerships” at Stanford University and the University of Washington, which successfully influenced social media companies to moderate millions of flagged tweets.
Cruz highlights an interview with the leader of the Stanford University program, where the researcher suggested that taxpayer dollars were intentionally channeled through a third party to evade First Amendment liability. He emphasizes that the government cannot escape guilt simply by hiring others to suppress speech.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has also joined Cruz in demanding detailed information from the State Department, FBI, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the National Science Foundation regarding their taxpayer-funded grants and non-governmental partnerships. The agencies have until December 19, 2023, to respond.
This investigation builds upon the ongoing scrutiny of Big Tech’s alleged collusion with the Biden administration to suppress free speech. The Senate Commerce Committee Republican staff identified more than 100 National Science Foundation grants totaling over $66 million between 2021 and 2023, dedicated to “misinformation” research. These grants funded various initiatives, including the creation of digital dashboards, therapy toolkits, and programs to counter misinformation on social media.
Cruz’s investigation parallels a similar probe conducted by the House Weaponization Subcommittee, which also accused CISA of facilitating censorship during the Biden administration. CISA’s Executive Director, Brandon Wales, denied these claims, stating that the agency prioritizes protecting Americans’ freedom of speech, civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy.
As the investigation unfolds, it has become apparent that higher education institutions often served as conduits for the government’s efforts to police speech online. This revelation raises concerns about the extent of government influence on social media platforms and the potential implications for free expression.
In conclusion, Sen. Ted Cruz’s investigation into the Biden administration’s alleged funneling of taxpayer dollars for online censorship has shed light on the complex relationship between government agencies, third-party intermediaries, and Big Tech. The ongoing probe aims to hold accountable those involved in suppressing free speech and violating Americans’ constitutional rights.
