Let’s Keep Our Democracy – Stop Trump and Baumgartner
America is losing the propaganda war
Notes from a panel discussion on Katy Tur Reports, MSNOW, Friday, April 17 2026:
The panel discussed Iran’s success in the propaganda war, particularly through animated social media videos, and its implications for the United States’ global image and strategic relations. The discussion highlighted the effectiveness of Iranian propaganda compared to US efforts and the potential long-term consequences.
Iran’s Propaganda War Success
– Iran is effectively using artificial intelligence and social media to create clever and compelling animated videos, often in the style of the Lego Movie.
– These videos mock the US president, reference the Epstein files, and criticize Israel’s influence on the administration.
– They incorporate British rap lyrics and are in English, making them accessible to a global audience.
– The videos have garnered over a billion views on one social media platform alone and have become a cultural phenomenon.
– A recent video specifically targeted a US media personality, alleging a drinking problem.
– The videos are designed to resonate with audiences in the United States and worldwide, particularly young people who consume news on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X.
– They position Iran as a resistance force against aspects of the US president’s policies and persona.
– The creator of the videos intentionally used Lego animation, calling it a “world language.”
US Response and Weaknesses
– The US currently lacks an effective counter-propaganda strategy.
– The State Department previously disbanded organizations designed to flag and counter foreign propaganda.
– US propaganda efforts, such as “snuff films” showing airstrikes, primarily appeal to existing war supporters in the US and Israel, rather than a broader global audience.
– The US president’s own extreme statements are considered more damaging to America’s image than anything in the Iranian videos.
– The US administration’s counter-messaging is perceived as only reassuring its base and not persuading anyone globally.
– The current administration has reduced US aid globally and no longer emphasizes spreading democracy or freedom, instead focusing on aggressive rhetoric.
Global Implications and Strategic Concerns
– The effectiveness of Iranian propaganda raises concerns about anti-American sentiment globally, particularly regarding the safety of Americans traveling overseas.
– The videos, depicting scenes like Americans striking schools and killing children, could foster hatred towards the US.
– European perceptions of the US are unlikely to recover for generations due to the current administration’s actions.
– There are serious concerns about sentiment towards America in specific regions, such as Indonesia and Bahrain, as reported by Politico.
– Gulf States, which rely on the US for security, experienced significant insecurity due to the war, leading to drone attacks, decimated tourism, and civilian losses.
– These countries may begin to “hedge” their bets by deepening ties with China and Russia to reduce over-reliance on the US.
– Countries in Southeast Asia have faced real security issues, such as gas rationing, leading to resentment towards the US.
– This resentment makes it harder for leaders in these countries to cooperate with the US, which is increasingly seen as an unreliable partner that lacks understanding of the global impact of its actions.
– Public sentiment is reaching anti-American levels not seen in a long time.
- – Decades of US goodwill, built through aid and a narrative of spreading democracy, have seemingly evaporated in the past year and a half.
