Politics

The Politics Issue

Far Out

At a Conspiracy Conference in Rural Ireland, Charlie Kirk Was the Star

The increasingly tight links between far-right groups in the US and Europe were on full display at the Rebels Across the Pond conference in Ireland.

Shutdown

Government Workers Say Their Out-of-Office Replies Were Forcibly Changed to Blame Democrats for Shutdown

Blue Scare

The Trump Administration Is Coming for Nonprofits. They're Getting Ready

Policy

DHS Has Been Collecting US Citizens’ DNA for Years

Newly released data shows Customs and Border Protection funneled the DNA of nearly 2,000 US citizens—some as young as 14—into an FBI crime database, raising alarms about oversight and legality.

Brendan Carr Isn't Going to Stop Until Someone Makes Him

In the wake of Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, experts say the FCC commissioner's conduct is flatly unconstitutional. They also expect him to keep going.

Defense Department Scrambles to Pretend It’s Called the War Department

President Donald Trump said the so-called Department of War branding is to counter the “woke” Department of Defense name.

No, Trump Can’t Legally Federalize US Elections

The United States Constitution is clear: President Donald Trump can’t take control of the country’s elections. But he can sow confusion and fear.

Disinformation

How Disinformation About the Minnesota Shooting Spread Like Wildfire on X

Under Elon Musk’s leadership, X has become the perfect platform to supercharge the spread of dangerous disinformation during breaking news events.

Conspiracy Theories About the Texas Floods Lead to Death Threats

Disinformation around a “weather weapon” and cloud seeding is being widely promoted by everyone from anti-government extremists to GOP influencers—leading to real-world consequences.

AI Chatbots Are Making LA Protest Disinformation Worse

Amid fast-moving events in Los Angeles, users are turning to chatbots like Grok and ChatGPT to find out what’s real and what’s not—and getting inaccurate information.

No, 150-Year-Olds Aren’t Collecting Social Security Benefits

Elon Musk claims to have found rampant fraud in the Social Security Administration. There’s a much simpler explanation.

Extremism

The Real Stakes, and Real Story, of Peter Thiel’s Antichrist Obsession

Thirty years ago, a peace-loving Austrian theologian spoke to Peter Thiel about the apocalyptic theories of Nazi jurist Carl Schmitt. They’ve been a road map for the billionaire ever since.

Nick Fuentes’ Plan to Conquer America

For years, influencer Nick Fuentes was too extreme even for MAGA. Now he's working his way into the mainstream—and has a plan for his secret followers to seize the levers of power.

Charlie Kirk Shooting Suspect Charged as Prosecutor Seeks Death Penalty

In the indictment, prosecutors claim Tyler Robinson planned Kirk’s killing in advance, citing rooftop surveillance, engraved bullets, and a written note as they seek the death penalty.

One Vigilante, 22 Cell Tower Fires, and a World of Conspiracies

Inside the mind of the most prolific anti-5G arsonist in the world—and the incoherent, very online political violence of our era.

Global Elections

Top US Election Security Watchdog Forced to Stop Election Security Work

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has frozen efforts to aid states in securing elections, according to an internal memo viewed by WIRED.

Secret Phone Surveillance Tech Was Likely Deployed at 2024 DNC

Data WIRED collected during the 2024 Democratic National Convention strongly suggests the use of a cell-site simulator, a controversial spy device that intercepts sensitive data from every phone in its range.

The Top Cybersecurity Agency in the US Is Bracing for Donald Trump

Staffers at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency tell WIRED they fear the new administration will cut programs that keep the US safe—and “persecution.”

Ireland Rejected the Far Right. The Election Conspiracy Theories Have Already Begun

Ireland’s far-right candidates expected to succeed on a wave of anti-immigrant rhetoric, but the people rejected them wholesale.

Politics News

Federal Workers Are Being Told to Blame Democrats for the Shutdown

Workers at one agency were given unhinged, partisan language to use when setting out-of-office replies.

The Post-Chuck Schumer Era

The Senate minority leader is seeking to redeem himself as the government shuts down. Democratic insiders say it may be too late.

How a Travel YouTuber Captured Nepal’s Revolution for the World

Harry Jackson went into Kathmandu as a tourist. He ended up being one of the main international sources of news on Nepal’s Gen Z protests.

WIRED Roundup: Groypers Are Going Mainstream

On today's episode of Uncanny Valley, we cover everything from what exactly the DHS is doing with Americans' DNA, to the rising influence of Nick Fuentes.