The recent fires that ravaged Los Angeles were devastating, but the firestorm of misinformation and disinformation that followed has been equally destructive. False claims about the causes of the fires, along with inflammatory accusations targeting LA Mayor Karen Bass, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and elected officials have overshadowed the tragedy. These false narratives deepen division, erode trust, and undermine recovery efforts for Angelenos who need help the most at this time.
In today's age of information warfare, misinformation is not just a nuisance—it's a weapon. It sows chaos and it weakens democracy—and in light of the pervasiveness of misinformation in the wake of the LA fires, this should serve as a wake-up call for Democrats. If we are serious about countering the disinformation campaigns that undermine progress, we need to act with boldness, urgency, and resources.
Misinformation is not new, but in a hyper-connected, social media-driven world, its spread is faster and more far-reaching than ever. After the Los Angeles fires, lies and half-truths about California's water policies and the state's emergency response spread at breakneck speed. Though many of these claims were eventually debunked, the damage is already done—people are left confused, angry, and distrustful of those tasked with recovery.
Information warfare is now a core element of political strategy, and the right-wing has become masterful at engaging in disinformation campaigns led by right-wing outlets, online influencers, and social media platforms—which ultimately sow division, amplify conspiracy theories, and fuel distrust in government. From QAnon to climate change denial, misinformation has become a tool for those seeking to destabilize the fabric of democracy. It's time we respond with equal force.
The first step is to push back more aggressively against these false narratives. Lies, no matter how absurd, gain traction the more they're repeated. For too long, Democrats have underestimated the power of right-wing media and social networks in shaping public opinion. We can no longer simply react after a false claim has gained momentum. We must go on the offensive, dismantling disinformation with the urgency and precision it deserves.
In this digital media age, traditional outlets cannot be our only defense. Social media platforms are where public opinion is formed in real time, and where misinformation often takes root first. Democrats have the tools to fight back, but we need to use them strategically.
One example of how to do so is the way in which Governor Newsom's team has pushed back against falsehoods on X, even going so far as creating a website dedicated to fighting misinformation. It's a good start, but now, rapid-response teams should be built to expose falsehoods on more platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube.
It doesn't end there, though. The real structural change Democrats need is the creation and investment in a progressive media infrastructure. The right wing has mastered this game over decades. Networks like Fox News, One America News Network, Breitbart, and far-right YouTubers wield immense influence. Meanwhile, progressive voices remain fragmented, siloed, and underfunded.
Democrats must change this. For every fact-based voice, dozens of conspiracy theorists dominate the conversation. That is why we must create a media ecosystem that not only counters misinformation but amplifies progressive values. Today, it's not enough to debunk lies after they spread—we need proactive storytelling that reaches people before they are influenced by conspiracy theories.
This means funding progressive journalism, supporting independent content creators, and developing digital platforms where these voices can thrive. We need an army of digital organizers, influencers, journalists, and creators who can engage on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and podcasts to challenge disinformation. These creators must be empowered and funded to spread the truth, counter lies, and connect with communities already inundated by falsehoods.
Movements like Black Lives Matter, climate activism, and #MeToo have shown the power of grassroots digital media. Progressive activists have leveraged online platforms to shift public opinion and create real-world change. But to scale these efforts, Democrats need more infrastructure, funding, and resources. We must build a media apparatus similar to the right wing's, but grounded in truth, accountability, and Democratic values.
We have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to win in this new era of information warfare. Instead of letting our message be drowned out by lies, we must create and fund media spaces that prioritize truth, integrity, and progressive values. This is not just about counteracting right-wing noise—it's about reshaping the information landscape and creating a culture that upholds justice, equality, and accountability.
In the era of information warfare, we cannot afford to be passive. Misinformation is an existential threat to our democracy—and it is time that we respond with the same level of aggression, resources, and urgency as we would to any other existential threat. The fires in Los Angeles may be settling for now, but the battle for truth, integrity, and democracy is just beginning. It's time for Democrats to rise to the challenge—before it's too late.
Victor Shi has worked on presidential, congressional, and local campaigns. He is a graduate of UCLA and his written work has appeared in MSNBC, POLITICO, Chicago Tribune, and other outlets. Follow him on X at @victorshi2020.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
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