Trump and the 'Big Lie' of Non-Citizen Voting
As the 2024 elections approach, former President Donald Trump and his supporters are amplifying claims about non-citizen voting, a narrative that has been labeled the 'big lie' of this election cycle. This strategy, which is gaining traction among conservative activists, revolves around the unfounded belief that illegal immigrants are being encouraged to vote, despite clear evidence showing that non-citizen voting is extremely rare. A study indicated that out of 23.5 million votes cast in 2016, only an estimated 30 incidents of non-citizen voting were suspected, amounting to a minuscule 0.0001%. This rhetoric is being utilized to push for stricter voting laws, disenfranchise voters, and create a climate of fear surrounding elections.
The Election Integrity Network, a conservative coalition, is at the forefront of these efforts, organizing meetings and campaigns aimed at mobilizing activists to challenge voter rolls and advocate for legislation that restricts voting access for non-citizens. This movement has been fueled by social media disinformation, particularly on platforms like X, where notable figures, including Elon Musk, have echoed these claims, further inciting fears of an 'invasion' at the polls. The consequences of this disinformation campaign are already visible, with numerous voters being purged from rolls and a rise in harassment against Latino activists and progressive organizations.
The #HandsOffMyPorn Campaign
In an unexpected twist to the election narrative, adult film stars are mobilizing against Trump through a campaign dubbed #HandsOffMyPorn. This initiative is a response to Project 2025, a document co-authored by Trump allies that proposes banning pornography and imposing severe penalties on those in the industry. The campaign is particularly targeting young male voters, who are major consumers of adult content, urging them to vote against Trump in the November 5 elections.
The campaign has invested significant resources in advertising on adult websites, warning that a Trump presidency could lead to the criminalization of the adult film industry. Prominent figures in the industry, like actress Siouxsie Q, are vocalizing their concerns about the implications of such policies, which they argue threaten not only their livelihoods but also broader issues of free expression and civil rights. The campaign highlights the potential dangers of aligning with far-right ideologies that seek to restrict personal freedoms and target marginalized communities.
The Intersection of Politics and Pop Culture
The intertwining of political narratives with cultural issues is becoming increasingly evident as the election nears. Trump's claims about non-citizen voting are not only a tactic to galvanize his base but also serve to distract from other pressing issues, such as immigration policy and civil rights. Meanwhile, the adult entertainment industry's response underscores the growing recognition of how political decisions can impact personal freedoms and artistic expression.
As the 2024 elections draw closer, the stakes are high. Whether it’s through the lens of voting rights or the fight for personal liberties in the adult industry, the narratives being shaped now will have lasting implications for American society. Both the 'big lie' surrounding non-citizen voting and the #HandsOffMyPorn campaign illustrate the diverse and often contentious landscape of contemporary American politics.
