State Department officials have ordered American embassies to counter foreign influence campaigns, reversing Trump’s earlier dismantling of anti-disinformation efforts. The move comes as Russia, China, and Iran amplify propaganda exploiting U.S. military actions in Iran and Venezuela. Voice of America and Radio Free Asia broadcasts resumed after Trump-era shutdowns, while diplomats were instructed to leverage X’s Community Notes feature to combat false narratives. Secretary of State Marco Rubio endorsed the strategy, citing risks of adversaries “sowing division,” though critics argue the approach lacks cohesion. The reversal follows Trump’s 2025 purge of disinformation teams at the FBI, DNI, and State Department over baseless claims of Biden-era censorship collusion.

Experts warn the chaotic shift undermines U.S. credibility, with former diplomat Orna Blum calling the response “reactive” and globally damaging.