Webwatch: Iran’s Information Warfare
Reports indicate that Iranian security forces have killed as many as 20,000 protesters since December 2025. Ashley Lindsberg notes that there’s a “digital battle” intensifying, where a year-long campaign is underway to cleanse the Islamic Republic’s human rights record on platforms like Wikipedia. Articles are being edited to downplay the atrocities committed by the regime, with concerning implications as AI systems begin to rely on these altered entries. This makes credibility of sources another front in the ongoing conflict, as insiders aligned with the regime make gradual edits to erode key information. This situation is a prime example of what “authoritarian information warfare in 2026” looks like, as evidence of violence against protesters is systematically erased.
Twin City Turmoil
There are strong indications of unrest brewing in Minneapolis. Federalist alert Breckan F. Teese describes a situation marked by genuine violence and obstruction of formal processes, fueled by key local officials. He argues that Minneapolis resembles a “powder keg” on the verge of civil war, asserting that the left-leaning protests and riots aren’t organic but rather facilitated by institutions that offer political and legal cover to these movements. He advocates for government action to address the chaos, emphasizing that failing to do so risks falling into mob rule.
Democrats and Activist Networks
The Democratic Party seems configured to overreact to President Trump’s actions, largely attributed to an intricate web of activist nonprofit organizations backed by liberal foundations. Burton Swain from The Wall Street Journal raises concerns about how, especially since the George Floyd protests, wealthy donors have bolstered groups advocating for various progressive causes. For some of these affluent individuals, issues like climate change and systemic racism have become perceived existential threats that justify more disruptive actions, presenting a nuanced attack on democracy that contrasts strongly with anything Trump has attempted.
Shapiro Stands Firm
Questions have surfaced regarding Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s ties to the Israeli government, an incident highlighted by Kamala Harris’ review team. Commentator Seth Mandel shares his discontent, raising alarms that this type of scrutiny on Shapiro reflects a broader attack on American Jews. He emphasizes that while Shapiro isn’t eager for confrontation, he isn’t retreating either. His resilience is crucial as a newer generation of Jewish leaders becomes increasingly aware of these challenges.
Trump’s Crime Commentary
President Trump has spoken with unprecedented urgency about acts of violence that, despite lacking political ramifications, warrant attention. Heather McDonald from City Journal observes that his comments challenge the prevailing complacency surrounding urban crime. Trump, disturbed by the increase in street crime, is breaking presidential norms by neglecting “rhetorical restraint.” His call for National Guard involvement pulls incarceration and crime prevention into focus, framing this issue philosophically as a matter of recognizing that violence should not be normalized.
