Trump Ally Threatens Wikipedia’s Tax Exemption Over “Propaganda” Concerns

A prosecutor with ties to former President Trump is challenging Wikipedia’s tax-exempt status, accusing the online encyclopedia of allowing the spread of propaganda and potentially jeopardizing national security. Ed Martin, the interim U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., has sent a formal letter to the Wikimedia Foundation, Wikipedia’s parent organization, raising serious concerns about its operations.

Accusations of Foreign Influence and Bias

Martin’s letter, obtained exclusively by The Free Press, alleges that the Wikimedia Foundation is permitting “foreign actors to manipulate information and spread propaganda to the American public.” He further claims that the foundation’s board, largely composed of foreign nationals, is “subverting the interests of American taxpayers.”

The prosecutor’s concerns appear to stem from alleged biases within Wikipedia’s content, particularly regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Martin suggests that edits on Wikipedia are “clearly targeted against Israel to benefit other countries.” He also highlights a report by the Anti-Defamation League, which alleges that some Wikipedia editors have intentionally introduced antisemitic narratives and anti-Israel bias.

Demanding Answers and Raising Questions

The four-page letter poses a dozen questions to the Wikimedia Foundation, demanding responses by May 15. Martin seeks clarity on the foundation’s policies regarding editorial standards, accountability, and the integrity of senior editors and administrators. He also inquires about the foundation’s relationships with third-party entities, including AI companies and search engines, that utilize Wikipedia content.

Martin’s actions have drawn criticism from free speech advocates, who accuse him of “political grandstanding” and attempting to stifle dissent. Concerns have also been raised about the unusual nature of the investigation, as matters related to a non-profit’s tax-exempt status are typically handled by the IRS.

Wikipedia’s Neutrality Under Scrutiny

The accusations against Wikipedia are not new. Co-founder Larry Sanger has publicly criticized the site for its perceived bias, calling its commitment to neutrality a “running joke.” The New York Post has also accused Wikipedia of “blacklisting” conservative news sources.

As Wikipedia increasingly serves as a source of information for AI models, Martin fears that manipulated data could “launder information on behalf of foreign actors.” His investigation raises important questions about the role of online encyclopedias in shaping public opinion and the potential for foreign interference.

The Wikimedia Foundation’s Response

As of this writing, the Wikimedia Foundation has not responded to requests for comment. It remains to be seen how the foundation will address the allegations and the potential consequences of Martin’s investigation.

Tags: Politics, Law, Policy, Tech, Wikipedia, Trump, Propaganda, Tax Exemption

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