On with Kara Swisher Imran Ahmed Researches Online Hate. Trump Wants to Deport Him
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Jan 12, 2026 
Imran Ahmed, Founder and CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, tackles online hate and disinformation. He shares how he became a target of the Trump administration and Elon Musk for aligning tech accountability with individual rights. The conversation dives into disinformation during the pandemic, the challenges tech companies face in balancing moderation, and the implications of AI harm. Imran argues for transparency and accountability, while also detailing the pressing legal battles he faces to continue his advocacy work.
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Surprised By A Public Deportation Notice
- Imran Ahmed learned about the State Department ban on him via a public tweet and press reports rather than a direct call.
- He described the action as shocking, disruptive to his family life, and a catalyst to fight back legally.
Private Action Isn’t Government Censorship
- Imran argues private actors and platforms exercising editorial choices are not government censorship and are protected by the First Amendment.
- He frames accusations of 'censorship' as legally meaningless when aimed at non-government entities.
From Antisemitism Research To COVID Work
- CCDH pivoted from focusing on antisemitism to COVID disinformation in early 2020 and published the 'Disinformation Dozen' report.
- That report identified a small group producing most vaccine misinformation and led to platform actions against those accounts.