In a glaring instance of censorship and manipulation, Google has recently taken steps to obscure information regarding the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Despite the public’s right to access crucial information, Google has erased autocomplete suggestions referencing this significant event. This deliberate action, packaged as ‘election interference,’ aligns with a broader strategy by tech giants to shape public perception and control the flow of information.
Testing by Breitbart News revealed that Google’s search engine intentionally redirects users away from searches that could uncover details about the attempt on Trump’s life. For instance, entering “assassination attempt” into Google’s search bar prompts autocomplete suggestions like “truman,” “reagan,” and “fidel castro,” yet noticeably omits Donald Trump. Even more telling, typing “assassination attempt trum” results in suggestions related to “president truman,” while fully spelling out “assassination attempt trump” yields no autocomplete suggestions at all. This pattern of omission unambiguously highlights Google’s effort to suppress this vital piece of news.
The assassination attempt occurred during Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a would-be assassin, later identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, shot a bullet that grazed Trump’s ear. Notwithstanding the severity of the incident, mainstream media outlets like CNN and the Washington Post wrote headlines that trivialized the attack, framing it as “loud noises” and “Trump speech interrupted by Secret Service.” Such downplaying by prominent media further underscores the coordinated effort to rewrite the narrative around events critical to public awareness.
The shielding of this information extends beyond Google’s actions. Newsweek’s coverage involved publishing misleading headlines that questioned whether Trump was actually shot, citing erroneous statements from FBI Director Christopher Wray. Contrary to Wray’s assertions, medical reports confirmed by former White House physician Rep. Ronny Jackson explicitly stated that a bullet indeed struck Trump. Jackson vehemently contested Wray’s remarks, demanding a correction from Congress and reinforcing the authenticity of the reported attack.
Google’s interference is not an isolated case but part of a recurring strategy to mold electoral narratives. Previous reports from Breitbart News illuminated instances where Google’s search algorithms favored President Joe Biden’s campaign, often relegating President Trump’s campaign information to less visible placements. By curating search results, Google ensures the prominence of content favorable to its preferred political stance while diminishing the visibility of opposing viewpoints.
The implications of such actions by powerful tech corporations are profound. The manipulation of information and obstruction of public knowledge effectively undermine the democratic process, where an informed electorate is essential. With the 2024 presidential election approaching, these tactics of misinformation and censorship create an environment of skewed perceptions and manipulated realities. The public’s vigilance and calls for transparency are paramount in addressing this digital age challenge, ensuring that all voices and information are equally accessible in the public domain.