Darren Beattie, a senior official at the State Department, is reportedly using his office's resources to conduct a political investigation into those involved in criticizing the agency's actions on foreign disinformation. This has raised concerns among his colleagues who describe his approach as unusual and improper. Beattie requested access to numerous communications involving journalists and researchers in disinformation, particularly focusing on right-leaning narratives that criticize the State Department's previous efforts. His actions follow his controversial history and accusations against agency operations regarded by some as censoring conservatives.
Beattie has decided to marshal the power of his office in what his fellow State Department employees described as "unusual" and "improper" ways to conduct a political witch hunt.
Beattie made a request to gain sweeping access to communications between and about the State Department and journalists, disinformation researchers, and Donald Trump critics.
The Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (R/FIMI) hub, which the State Department shut down this year, was aimed at tracking foreign disinformation campaigns.
Right-wing critics have accused these offices of engaging in censorship campaigns against conservatives, under the pretense of fighting fake news.
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