In our fast-paced digital world, decisions and actions unfold at a speed rarely seen in history.
President Donald Trump is seizing this moment, introducing a new chapter defined by his robust online presence.
Visiting Whitehouse.gov presents a spectacle: a full-screen video showcases Trump’s triumphant return to the White House, punctuated by the thunderous sound of fighter jets overhead.
As the video fades out, viewers are greeted with an uplifting image of Trump smiling broadly, gesturing toward invisible supporters, and bold text that shouts, “America is back!” However, a glaring omission stands out—the web page dedicated to the U.S. Constitution has vanished.
ERASING DIGITAL RESOURCES
From the very beginning of his presidency, Trump has displayed a keen understanding of the digital realm’s power.
Shortly after taking office, he disabled critical functionalities of the CBP One app.
This tool, developed during Joe Biden’s administration, allowed undocumented migrants to set appointments for legal asylum requests at U.S. borders.
Although the app remains available, its appointment scheduling feature has been eliminated, effectively annulled all pre-existing appointments.
This digital maneuver occurred far more swiftly than any efforts to build a physical border wall.
Additionally, Trump’s team has eliminated reproductiverights.gov, a website that was launched in response to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, which overturned Roe v. Wade.
Previously, this site offered straightforward legal guidance on emergency medical care, contraceptive access, and abortion services.
It now leads to a blank screen, wiping away its existence as if it had never been created.
The Internet Archive stands as the lone custodian of its former content.
Moreover, the removal of the Spanish version of the White House website, alongside its related social media accounts, suggests a deliberate neglect of the Latinx community.
The erasure of digital resources is not a new tactic used against marginalized groups, but the swiftness and breadth of such actions today are amplified by advanced communication technologies and those in power who influence our online world.
These deletions represent more than symbolic gestures; their repercussions are significant.
In an era where our digital lives dominate, the Trump administration is rapidly reshaping the very fabric of our online reality.
SHIFTING POWER IN SOCIAL MEDIA
In contrast, dismantling physical infrastructures is a drawn-out endeavor.
It often requires extensive legislative processes and significant investments to transform urban landscapes.
Historical examples illustrate this, such as redlining and the destruction of thriving immigrant neighborhoods in cities like Los Angeles and Detroit—each process took years of hidden legislative maneuvers and countless human efforts.
However, the digital counterpart can happen instantaneously.
The annihilation of an online presence can occur with the tap of a key, leaving only memories of what once was.
The alteration of our digital landscape isn’t solely a one-man show; it also involves key individuals within Trump’s circle.
Recently, many users on X (formerly known as Twitter) encountered posts showcasing Elon Musk’s admiration during a post-inauguration celebration.
Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Meta, also made headlines, appearing on users’ feeds alongside his wife, exuding enthusiasm and positivity.
These social media appearances transcend mere political achievements; they embody strategic choices that influence the narrative.
Since Musk’s acquisition of X, the platform has undergone a noticeable shift in ideology.
Likewise, following the election, Zuckerberg decided to remove fact-checking to better align with what he perceives as mainstream dialogue.
As a result, numerous users have pointed out that the algorithm began favoring accounts linked to Trump and Vice President JD Vance, while limiting the visibility of Democratic hashtags.
On platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X, users effectively cede their rights by agreeing to lengthy terms of service.
Therefore, when these corporations decide to align with Trump, it’s unsurprising that their algorithms catapult narratives that resonate with his vision of America.
Major social media platforms have morphed into substantial vehicles of propaganda, eclipsing traditional media outlets.
Misinformation flourishes in this environment, altering public perception through sheer volume.
Amidst a landscape rife with division and falsehoods, finding a path forward prioritizing truth and empathy for vulnerable communities grows increasingly elusive.
The absence of accountability in a realm that can pivot with a mere keystroke poses a substantial threat.
Yet this powerful digital influence also reveals a crucial fragility: the digital record can shift as easily as shifting sands.
If a previous reality can vanish because of a single vindictive action, the same fate could await the current regime.
Authority, at its core, isn’t a permanent fixture.
Source: Fastcompany