- Social:
expert on information warfare
Molly McKew is an expert on information warfare. She also advises governments and political parties on foreign policy and strategic communications.
PROFILE
Molly McKew
Guest
FROM Molly McKew
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Russian Twitter bots influenced how Nunes memo was released The hashtag #releasethememo appeared on Twitter on January 18, referring to a classified document written by Rep. Devin Nunes that alleged FBI bias against the Trump administration. News of the so-called Nunes memo quickly spread on social media, and soon enough, the memo was released. One researcher says automated Russian Twitter bots created and spread the hashtag in an effort to influence American public opinion and discredit the Russia investigation.
To the Point
White House politics and national security President Trump's on a 17-day "working vacation" at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Back at the White House, Chief of Staff John Kelly, the former General, reportedly is seizing the moment to impose order on factional infighting. He's reportedly said he can't control the President, but what about Steve Bannon, the Kushners and National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster? All have tribal loyalists. Is "order" possible under shadows including declining support from Congress, North Korea's nuclear challenge — and the Russia investigation?
To the Point
The summit within the summit After warm greetings in public, Presidents Trump and Putin were behind closed doors for more than two hours today in Hamburg, Germany. For the moment, their meeting has overshadowed the larger G-20 summit, as protesters stormed local police in the streets of the city. Mr. Trump’s aides said he had “no agenda,” but Secretary of State Tillerson says he began with Russia’s meddling in America’s election. Putin denied it. With US-Russian relations at their lowest point in decades, is there any chance of a rapprochement? Is that in America’s interests?
To the Point
Is Washington missing the forest for the trees? As Attorney General Jeff Sessions and others testify about what they knew and who they talked to, is the basic issue being lost in the political drama? It's reported that Russian hackers gained access to the voting systems of 39 American states during last year's elections. There's no evidence they affected the outcome. But, as the fired FBI Director James Comey warned last week, "They'll be back." What's in store for America's democracy in the future? How does this compare to the long history of US involvement in other countries' elections?
Recommended
To the Point
Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?
To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
To the Point
The Trump agenda: where's the beef? President Trump says big things are happening. After celebrating a House bill on health care, he doesn’t yet have Senate agreement. With James Comey’s public testimony scheduled tomorrow, the President today tweeted his selection of a new FBI Director. Is the Chief Executive all style and no substance? Later, terror attacks in Iran and conflicting claims about who’s behind them.