The election of a white-leaning presidential candidate supported by a tech mogul marks a critical turning point in the United States, one fraught with dangerous implications for melanated communities nationwide. From symbolic gestures to policy decisions, this administration’s actions solidify the resurgence of covert white supremacy, cloaked in technology and political power. These developments, though subtle in their build-up, have now erupted into visible, forceful actions that undermine democracy, equity, and inclusivity
The refusal of the newly elected president to follow traditional inaugural procedures—declining to place their hand on the Bible or meet with former presidents—sets a tone of defiance against longstanding traditional norms. The Bible, a longstanding symbol of presidential accountability and continuity, serves as a metaphorical promise to uphold justice and equality. By bypassing this act, the president signals a departure from these principles, aligning instead with a regressive, authoritarian approach. This refusal reflects a broader rejection of the values that supposedly unite the nation, particularly as they relate to marginalized groups.
Social MEdia platforms like TikTok acquired by Facebook, are now proliferated with Ads targeting white middle-class individuals. Political promotional videos dominate feeds, while melanated creators report a sharp decline in visibility. A 2024 study from Pew Research found that algorithms on these platforms amplify inflammatory rhetoric that appeals to white commonality, often at the expense of melanated
The timing of these shifts is no coincidence—it aligns with the political and economic goals of white-controlled governments, particularly in the U.S., where election cycles see an influx of propaganda aimed at disenfranchising melanated voters through digital misinformation campaigns.
"These acts of vandalism are not random," said LaToya Tate, a voting rights advocate with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice. "They are strategic efforts to silence communities that have historically been the backbone of democratic change in this country. When ballot boxes are burned or vandalized in melanated neighborhoods, it creates both logistical and psychological barriers to voting."
Adding to the controversy, the newly elected president openly credited artificial intelligence (AI) for his campaign’s success in key battleground states like Pennsylvania. During a post-election press conference, he remarked, “Cutting-edge AI technology allowed us to understand voter behavior like never before. It helped us identify and mobilize the voters who could make the difference.” While his campaign team celebrated this as a triumph of innovation, critics from both sides of the aisle expressed concern over the ethical implications of deploying AI in this manner.
Many question whether the use of AI to micro-target voters is consistent with the principles of free and fair elections. Reports have surfaced that AI algorithms were employed to analyze voter data, including browsing histories, purchasing behavior, and even personal conversations on social media platforms, to craft hyper-personalized campaign ads. According to ProPublica, these ads were often tailored to exploit fears and anxieties, with messages designed to manipulate voter emotions rather than inform their choices.
"This raises serious questions about consent and manipulation," said Dr. Rashad Graham, a political ethics scholar at Howard University. "When AI tools are used to predict and influence voter behavior on such a granular level, it shifts the balance of power in campaigns. It’s no longer about persuading voters with policies; it’s about controlling how they think and feel."
The implications for democracy are profound. Critics argue that AI-driven campaigning disproportionately disadvantages marginalized communities, who are often less aware of how their data is being weaponized. Without transparency or regulation, such practices risk undermining public trust in electoral systems and further marginalizing already vulnerable groups.
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