What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future The Right’s Minneapolis Outrage Machine
Jan 23, 2026
In this discussion, Will Sommer, a senior reporter at The Bulwark, exposes how right-wing influencers manipulate narratives surrounding Minneapolis, particularly targeting Somali communities. He reveals a cycle of disinformation leading to real-world consequences, such as government prosecutions following viral outrage videos. Sommer highlights the troubling relationship between influencers and federal agencies, emphasizing the impact of their content on public perception and policy. He also predicts California as the next battleground for this model of outrage.
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Viral Child Photo That Haunted The Host
- Lizzie O'Leary describes seeing viral images of five-year-old Liam Ramos in Minneapolis and how it affected her personally.
- She stood watching her own five-year-old sleep after scrolling through the child's terrified photos on social media.
Influencer-Administration Feedback Loop
- Will Sommer explains a feedback loop where right-wing influencers both guide and are amplified by the Trump administration.
- That cycle turns viral influencer moments into federal actions like surges of ICE agents.
The Nick Shirley Daycare Moment
- Will Sommer recounts Nick Shirley's daycare videos that alleged fraud and exploded on X after Elon Musk boosted them.
- That viral clip helped trigger government actions that included cutting social safety funding and sending ICE and Border Patrol to Minneapolis.