The Trump Administration Transforms Immigration Enforcement Actions and Public Demonstrations into Reality Shows
In the past few months, President Donald Trump's administration has been aggressively building an alternative media empire to boost their contentious immigration policies. Now, with protests erupting in Los Angeles and spreading across the nation, this digital media system is in overdrive, churning out AI-driven nonsense and reality TV-style content.
The latest addition to this media juggernaut is none other than reality star Phil "Dr. Phil" McGraw and his new network, Merit TV. They embedded with ICE during the agency's raids in LA, as reported by CNN. The footage from these operations will be aired during a "2-Night Television Event" on Monday and Tuesday, complete with an exclusive sit-down with Trump's border czar, Tom Homan.
According to an email from Merit TV, the event will feature Homan discussing the multimillion-dollar raid on cartel-linked businesses in LA's garment district, with over $80 million in undeclared imports, $17 million in unpaid tariffs, and 41 undocumented immigrants detained. However, it's not clear where these specific figures came from, or what the source of information is for the claim that the businesses are tied to cartels.
Homan and other law enforcement officials have repeatedly threatened protests and even political leaders with arrest. Trump himself has stated that he will arrest California Governor Gavin Newsom. Meanwhile, MAGA's independent influencers have been actively spreading the Trump administration's talking points. On Sunday, influencer Rogan O'Handley, better known as DC Draino online, posted an AI-generated video on Instagram showing Trump assaulting a man waving a Mexican flag on a dirt bike. As the man falls, the flag magically transforms into an American one.
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and host of an eponymous podcast, used the LA protests as an opportunity to rally support for the Trump administration's budget plans. "Infuriated by what you are seeing in LA? Pass the BBB. Watch this and support the bill. We must reclaim America," he posted on Monday.
This aggressive approach to immigration policy has been broadcast across TV and the internet for months, with influencers and content creators participating in DHS-led broadcasts and ride-alongs. Conservative influencer CJ Pearson told our site, "That's been a pretty routine thing. Libs of TikTok was embedded, Tomi Lahren was as well. I've been asked as well, so I think there definitely will be more to come."
In essence, this administration has masterfully harnessed the power of digital media to push their immigration agenda, while independent influencers may either support or challenge these policies.
- President Donald Trump's administration has been utilizing an alternative media empire to promote their contentious immigration policies.
- Reality star Phil "Dr. Phil" McGraw and his new network, Merit TV, have embedded with ICE during raids, providing footage for a "2-Night Television Event".
- Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, will discuss multimillion-dollar raids on cartel-linked businesses in LA's garment district during the event, but the source of this information is unclear.
- Political leaders have been threatened with arrest by Homan and other law enforcement officials, with Trump stating he will arrest California Governor Gavin Newsom.
- Independent influencers, such as Rogan O'Handley and Charlie Kirk, are actively spreading the Trump administration's talking points through various digital media platforms, including AI-generated videos and newsletters.
