David Armiak
@armiak.bsky.social
Research Director and Investigative Journalist at The Center for Media and Democracy. Anthropologist. Proud father. Music nerd.
Pinned
David Armiak
@armiak.bsky.social
· Nov 21
Dark Money Donor Conduit Funneled $195 Million to Right-Wing Groups in 2024 - EXPOSEDbyCMD
Last year DonorsTrust, the preferred donor advised fund of the Koch political network, distributed $195.3 million in grants to the more than 300 right-wing influence groups, litigation centers, media ...
www.exposedbycmd.org
NEW: Last year DonorsTrust distributed $195.3 mil in grants to the more than 300 right-wing influence groups, litigation centers, media outlets, climate deniers, pro-gun groups, and other tax-exempt organizations that underpin America’s far-right infrastructure.
Reposted by David Armiak
Jacob Frey: "To ICE -- get the fuck out of Minneapolis"
January 7, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Jacob Frey: "To ICE -- get the fuck out of Minneapolis"
Here is a video of the ICE murder of an observer (or protestor?) in Minneapolis.
This is the video.
January 7, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Here is a video of the ICE murder of an observer (or protestor?) in Minneapolis.
ICE has murdered an observer in Minneapolis.
Live updates: Officials confirm ICE-involved shooting in south Minneapolis
Witnesses reported a person was shot in south Minneapolis on Wednesday morning, amid a large presence of federal law enforcement officers. It was not immediately clear who may have been shot, or who m...
www.mprnews.org
January 7, 2026 at 5:57 PM
ICE has murdered an observer in Minneapolis.
Reposted by David Armiak
On the fifth anniversary of the Jan 6. attack, the White House launched a new website claiming those prosecuted were victims of a "weaponized" justice system and accusing Democrats of fabricating an "insurrection" narrative. https://bit.ly/4sszukf
Trump White House's Jan. 6 website rewrites history to celebrate failed coup
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:44 PM
On the fifth anniversary of the Jan 6. attack, the White House launched a new website claiming those prosecuted were victims of a "weaponized" justice system and accusing Democrats of fabricating an "insurrection" narrative. https://bit.ly/4sszukf
Reposted by David Armiak
NEW: We obtained 100 gigabytes of data from unlisted websites associated with Canary Mission, revealing their internal workings, employees, and an internal website called BlackNest where the group celebrated its “impacts”— arrests and deportations.
www.dropsitenews.com/p/canary-mis...
www.dropsitenews.com/p/canary-mis...
BlackNest: Inside Canary Mission’s Secret Web of Unlisted Sites
One Canary Mission-affiliated website, BlackNest, reveals the group's internal operations, plans to expand, and how they celebrate deportations and firings
www.dropsitenews.com
January 6, 2026 at 6:14 PM
NEW: We obtained 100 gigabytes of data from unlisted websites associated with Canary Mission, revealing their internal workings, employees, and an internal website called BlackNest where the group celebrated its “impacts”— arrests and deportations.
www.dropsitenews.com/p/canary-mis...
www.dropsitenews.com/p/canary-mis...
Reposted by David Armiak
This story of alleged fraud has spread without the most basic fact checking or scrutiny--through right-wing media, but also outlets like NYT. Publications are boosting unverified Trump admin claims being used to justify an assault on MN's Somali communities. Crucial by @matthewccook5.bsky.social
Corporate Media Advances Conservative Narrative About Minnesota Fraud - The American Prospect
Published in partnership with the Center for Media and Democracy. On Friday, November 21, as most Americans were prepping for Thanksgiving, President Trump went on a tirade on his Truth Social platfo...
prospect.org
December 29, 2025 at 8:42 PM
This story of alleged fraud has spread without the most basic fact checking or scrutiny--through right-wing media, but also outlets like NYT. Publications are boosting unverified Trump admin claims being used to justify an assault on MN's Somali communities. Crucial by @matthewccook5.bsky.social
Reposted by David Armiak
Got a new one from @matthewccook5.bsky.social and our friends at @exposedbycmd.bsky.social on the rather credulous reporting pushing the Minnesota benefit fraud scandals, and the blanket statements associating all Somalians with this thievery.
prospect.org/2025/12/29/c...
prospect.org/2025/12/29/c...
Corporate Media Advances Conservative Narrative About Minnesota Fraud - The American Prospect
Published in partnership with the Center for Media and Democracy. On Friday, November 21, as most Americans were prepping for Thanksgiving, President Trump went on a tirade on his Truth Social platfo...
prospect.org
December 29, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Got a new one from @matthewccook5.bsky.social and our friends at @exposedbycmd.bsky.social on the rather credulous reporting pushing the Minnesota benefit fraud scandals, and the blanket statements associating all Somalians with this thievery.
prospect.org/2025/12/29/c...
prospect.org/2025/12/29/c...
Reposted by David Armiak
The corporate media's coverage of the Minnesota frauds has missed key facts. Numbers have been exaggerated and administration talking points have been echoed, namely that Somali Minnesotans are inclined towards fraud. Our latest report: www.exposedbycmd.org/2025/12/29/c...
Corporate Media Advances Conservative Narrative About Minnesota Fraud - EXPOSEDbyCMD
As Trump makes racist attacks on Somali immigrants, media giants CBS, Fox, the WSJ and the NYT parrot claims from a weaponized DOJ and self-interested players.
www.exposedbycmd.org
December 29, 2025 at 7:28 PM
The corporate media's coverage of the Minnesota frauds has missed key facts. Numbers have been exaggerated and administration talking points have been echoed, namely that Somali Minnesotans are inclined towards fraud. Our latest report: www.exposedbycmd.org/2025/12/29/c...
Reposted by David Armiak
I feel like "attention hacking" is most of politics now. The Minnesota aid fraud story is becoming a perfect example.
Recap: In 2022, the Biden DOJ filed the first charges against dozens of fraudsters, many of them Somali-American, who'd fleeced a state food aid program. (1/x)
Recap: In 2022, the Biden DOJ filed the first charges against dozens of fraudsters, many of them Somali-American, who'd fleeced a state food aid program. (1/x)
December 29, 2025 at 1:30 AM
I feel like "attention hacking" is most of politics now. The Minnesota aid fraud story is becoming a perfect example.
Recap: In 2022, the Biden DOJ filed the first charges against dozens of fraudsters, many of them Somali-American, who'd fleeced a state food aid program. (1/x)
Recap: In 2022, the Biden DOJ filed the first charges against dozens of fraudsters, many of them Somali-American, who'd fleeced a state food aid program. (1/x)
Reposted by David Armiak
“The Heritage Foundation, the intellectual engine behind the 922-page blueprint that has become the key policy manual for Trump’s second term, is partnering with a constellation of European nationalist far-right movements to export its playbook for countering progressive policies.” 11/10/25 …1/
The Heritage Foundation goes from MAGA to MEGA — Make Europe Great Again
On the agenda: pro-natalism, freedom of expression, opposing trans rights and fighting Chinese influence.
www.politico.eu
December 27, 2025 at 7:21 PM
“The Heritage Foundation, the intellectual engine behind the 922-page blueprint that has become the key policy manual for Trump’s second term, is partnering with a constellation of European nationalist far-right movements to export its playbook for countering progressive policies.” 11/10/25 …1/
In 2024, Pence's Advancing American Freedom brought in $13.7 million and spent $11 million according to its latest IRS filing obtained by the Center for Media and Democracy.
December 22, 2025 at 8:55 PM
In 2024, Pence's Advancing American Freedom brought in $13.7 million and spent $11 million according to its latest IRS filing obtained by the Center for Media and Democracy.
Reposted by David Armiak
Elusive street artist Banksy appeared to confirm Monday that a new mural in London, depicting two children lying down and pointing up at the sky, is his latest work. https://to.pbs.org/496w5im
Banksy unveils new mural in London depicting stargazing children
Elusive street artist Banksy appeared to confirm Monday that a new mural in London, depicting two children lying down and pointing up at the sky, is his latest work.
www.pbs.org
December 22, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Elusive street artist Banksy appeared to confirm Monday that a new mural in London, depicting two children lying down and pointing up at the sky, is his latest work. https://to.pbs.org/496w5im
"Anti-trafficking advocates say the US Department of Justice’s failure to spend nearly $90m appropriated by Congress is impeding law-enforcement investigations and exposing survivors to homelessness and the risk of deportation, jail time or re-exploitation."
US justice department halts funding for human-trafficking survivors
DoJ has nearly $90m appropriated by Congress to support victims, but organizations say funding has been cut
www.theguardian.com
December 22, 2025 at 8:02 PM
"Anti-trafficking advocates say the US Department of Justice’s failure to spend nearly $90m appropriated by Congress is impeding law-enforcement investigations and exposing survivors to homelessness and the risk of deportation, jail time or re-exploitation."
Reposted by David Armiak
“Former Vice President Mike Pence’s political group is poaching top officials from the conservative Heritage Foundation amid growing ideological fights within the conservative movement and backlash at the think tank.”
12/22/25 (No gift link bc I don’t subscribe.) 1/ www.wsj.com/politics/ele...
12/22/25 (No gift link bc I don’t subscribe.) 1/ www.wsj.com/politics/ele...
Exclusive | Top Heritage Officials Flee to Mike Pence’s Nonprofit as Think Tank Fractures
The former vice president’s political group is poaching top officials from the foundation amid growing ideological fights within the conservative movement.
www.wsj.com
December 22, 2025 at 6:41 PM
“Former Vice President Mike Pence’s political group is poaching top officials from the conservative Heritage Foundation amid growing ideological fights within the conservative movement and backlash at the think tank.”
12/22/25 (No gift link bc I don’t subscribe.) 1/ www.wsj.com/politics/ele...
12/22/25 (No gift link bc I don’t subscribe.) 1/ www.wsj.com/politics/ele...
Reposted by David Armiak
NEW from @alleenbrown.bsky.social in partnership with @drilledmedia.bsky.social
Greenpeace Fights for Survival Against a Fossil Fuel Giant’s $345-Million “SLAPP” Suit
Greenpeace Fights for Survival Against a Fossil Fuel Giant’s $345-Million “SLAPP” Suit
Greenpeace Fights for Survival Against a Fossil Fuel Giant’s $345-Million “SLAPP” Suit - EXPOSEDbyCMD
Energy Transfer’s lawsuit set up the First Amendment battle of the year and threatens to silence support for grassroots protest against the fossil fuel industry.
www.exposedbycmd.org
December 17, 2025 at 4:06 PM
NEW from @alleenbrown.bsky.social in partnership with @drilledmedia.bsky.social
Greenpeace Fights for Survival Against a Fossil Fuel Giant’s $345-Million “SLAPP” Suit
Greenpeace Fights for Survival Against a Fossil Fuel Giant’s $345-Million “SLAPP” Suit
Reposted by David Armiak
See also bsky.app/profile/matt...
Charlie Kirk is dead, tragically murdered by an assassin’s bullet. Now Turning Point USA wants to cement its founder’s legacy by Christianizing America in his name. Read about that threat to democracy in my new @wjkbooks.com book out now: www.wjkbooks.com/bookproduct/...
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
See also bsky.app/profile/matt...
Council for National Policy operation to shut down the nonprofit Southern Poverty Law Center unfolding in Congress right now in a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee. The Daily Signal (Heritage Fdn), Family Research Council, and Turning Point USA are all CNP.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrLw...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrLw...
Partisan and Profitable: The SPLC’s Influence on Federal Civil Rights Policy
YouTube video by House Judiciary GOP
www.youtube.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Council for National Policy operation to shut down the nonprofit Southern Poverty Law Center unfolding in Congress right now in a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee. The Daily Signal (Heritage Fdn), Family Research Council, and Turning Point USA are all CNP.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrLw...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrLw...
Reposted by David Armiak
CNN has suddenly discovered Tennessee's Patriot Front compound that was a subject of an extensive NewsChannel 5 investigation back in March. Here is my report: 1/ www.newschannel5.com/news/newscha...
'This isn't your granddad's KKK.' Inside the hate group expanding its presence in Tennessee
They are the largest hate group in America, wrapping themselves in the red-white-and-blue of the flag, marching into the middle of American cities and claiming to be patriots.
www.newschannel5.com
December 16, 2025 at 3:34 PM
CNN has suddenly discovered Tennessee's Patriot Front compound that was a subject of an extensive NewsChannel 5 investigation back in March. Here is my report: 1/ www.newschannel5.com/news/newscha...
Reposted by David Armiak
A new report documents a hostile environment for US journalists this year, with 32 arrests and 170 assaults. Read Jem Bartholomew. www.cjr.org/the_media_to...
Reporting with one hand tied.
A new report documents a hostile environment for US journalists this year, with 32 arrests and 170 assaults.
www.cjr.org
December 15, 2025 at 8:58 PM
A new report documents a hostile environment for US journalists this year, with 32 arrests and 170 assaults. Read Jem Bartholomew. www.cjr.org/the_media_to...
Reposted by David Armiak
“‘For the Reinvention of Man’: How a Conservative Debating Society at Harvard Pushed Women From Its Ranks *** The John Adams Society began quietly excluding women from membership this semester…It is now effectively functioning as a single-sex organization.” 12/8/25… 1/
‘For the Reinvention of Man’: How a Conservative Debating Society at Harvard Pushed Women From Its Ranks | News | The Harvard Crimson
The John Adams Society began quietly excluding women from membership this semester, former and prospective affiliates told The Crimson. It is now effectively functioning as a single-sex organization.
www.thecrimson.com
December 14, 2025 at 7:04 PM
“‘For the Reinvention of Man’: How a Conservative Debating Society at Harvard Pushed Women From Its Ranks *** The John Adams Society began quietly excluding women from membership this semester…It is now effectively functioning as a single-sex organization.” 12/8/25… 1/
Reposted by David Armiak
ICC-wanted war crimes fugitive PM Netanyahu, who has presided over a 2+ year, daily live-streamed slaughter of 70,000+ Palestinian men, women & children—while claiming it’s done in the name of Jews worldwide—today blamed Australia’s recognition of Palestine for encouraging antisemitism & causing...
December 15, 2025 at 2:59 AM
ICC-wanted war crimes fugitive PM Netanyahu, who has presided over a 2+ year, daily live-streamed slaughter of 70,000+ Palestinian men, women & children—while claiming it’s done in the name of Jews worldwide—today blamed Australia’s recognition of Palestine for encouraging antisemitism & causing...
Rightwing operative & voter suppressionist Cleta Mitchell has published an updated version of her Election Integrity Network's "Citizens Guide to Election Integrity." The online booklet promotes a number of EIN national working groups from "technology & security" to "Voter Eligibility & Voter Rolls"
Election Integrity Network's Citizens Guide to Election Integrity, November 2025
www.documentcloud.org
December 16, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Rightwing operative & voter suppressionist Cleta Mitchell has published an updated version of her Election Integrity Network's "Citizens Guide to Election Integrity." The online booklet promotes a number of EIN national working groups from "technology & security" to "Voter Eligibility & Voter Rolls"
Reposted by David Armiak
Rob Reiner on Christian nationalism
December 15, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Rob Reiner on Christian nationalism
"The Heritage Foundation, an influential rightwing thinktank currently mired in controversy over its president’s apparent apology for extremism, has appointed as a director the founder of a secretive all-male network of Christian nationalist fraternal lodges."
‘Just disgraceful’: outcry as Heritage thinktank appoints far-right figure to key post
Scott Yenor, who has offered views on women, marriage and LGBTQ rights, helped to found secretive fraternal order
www.theguardian.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:10 PM
"The Heritage Foundation, an influential rightwing thinktank currently mired in controversy over its president’s apparent apology for extremism, has appointed as a director the founder of a secretive all-male network of Christian nationalist fraternal lodges."
Reposted by David Armiak
Look who’s circling Venezuela... During his interview of Maria Corina Machado, Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale tells her: “We have a lot of friends here who’ve had to flee VZ & who are huge fans of yours, & we’re very excited to come back & invest & BUILD w/ u when u get to be a free country.” 1/
December 12, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Look who’s circling Venezuela... During his interview of Maria Corina Machado, Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale tells her: “We have a lot of friends here who’ve had to flee VZ & who are huge fans of yours, & we’re very excited to come back & invest & BUILD w/ u when u get to be a free country.” 1/