Last week, the social media platform X disclosed the locations of all user accounts, revealing that many prominent political figures on contentious issues in the U.S. are actually operating from Africa and Asia.
In many cases, the intent is straightforward: whether it’s a fraudulent Native American complaint account managed from Bangladesh or a Nigerian masquerading as a Trump-supporting Midwestern mother, they primarily aim to earn money, often through selling T-shirts.
For some, though, the motivations are more complex. Take Ian Miles Chong, a Malaysian-born writer residing in Dubai, who has garnered a following of 1.2 million people on X by offering sharp social commentary and backing the New Right in American politics.
Chong attributes his success to followers who believed he was actually in the U.S. “The notion that you can’t talk about America unless you live there is kind of absurd. What’s happening in America is mirrored across the globe,” he shared.
“Moreover, at this point, nearly every nation has U.S. military installations. Like it or not, this is an empire, and people will have opinions,” he added, noting that when it was revealed he was based in Dubai, he faced pushback for his perspectives.
One American podcaster criticized him, saying, “You’ve never even been to America, yet you’re trying to sway our culture and politics without acknowledging your own country’s issues.”
Chong differentiates himself from numerous “fan” accounts supporting Trump administration officials. These accounts, based in places like India, Macedonia, and Thailand, offer little more than cheering support.
Some U.S. celebrities are optimistic that these revelations will help citizens be more discerning about whose voices they choose to heed. “It strips away the facade and enables Americans to see who’s really speaking, which lets us identify any hidden agendas,” said California podcaster Drew Allen.
He acknowledged that social media can amplify voices and influence perceptions without the traditional oversight of news outlets. “But as a foreigner, you can’t fully grasp American politics and experiences like we do,” he remarked, mentioning he’s working on a book about the late activist Charlie Kirk.
Chong echoed this sentiment, agreeing with critics like Allen, who argue that foreign influence campaigns, such as those from Russia and China, pose significant challenges.
Darren Linville, a media forensics expert, commented that what we’re witnessing is simply capitalism at play, with these influencers engaging in activities similar to their U.S. counterparts, driven by the same motivations.
Conversely, Allen clarified that while he respects the talent behind amassing a large social media following, nothing replaces the authenticity and insight from real Americans impacting the discourse. “I think they muddy the conversation, and I truly believe they shouldn’t wield influence,” he remarked.
Additionally, the location disclosures disclosed some lesser-known, state-backed initiatives. Linville noted that several accounts feigning UK origins to advocate for Scottish independence were actually tied to Iran, and Chinese networks were attempting to sway opinions in the Philippines.
Bangladesh has surprisingly emerged as a hub for fake Native American grievance accounts with names like @NativeNationUSA, collectively amassing a significant following while selling merchandise that capitalizes on these identities.
Linville pointed out that in regions like Bangladesh and Nigeria, where the GDP per capita is significantly lower than in the U.S., even minimal earnings from X can be notable.
Allen recognized the skill involved in building a social media presence and the reality that audiences determine popularity with their clicks. “It’s a bit frustrating sometimes. But I prefer to think that the best are rising to the top, receiving support for their efforts,” he concluded.
