Researchers have uncovered a network of over 400 AI-powered bot accounts on X that systematically respond to conservative posts with praise for Trump administration figures, particularly Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Karoline Leavitt. These bots, likely created in batches on specific days, don’t seek widespread engagement but aim to subtly influence perceptions within conservative circles by frequently replying to verified users and echoing MAGA sentiments. While their identity and technological origins remain unclear, analysts believe their messages are shaped by real pro-Trump influencers and social media behavior. The uniformity in their tone broke down recently over controversy surrounding the release of Epstein files, exposing contradictory bot reactions and revealing their algorithmic nature.
The split occurred after Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the Department of Justice wouldn’t release more Epstein-related documents. Some bots defended Bondi, others called for her resignation, and a few even turned against Trump, criticizing his administration’s handling of the case. The abrupt divergence highlights not only how AI-driven political messaging can fracture in response to complex events but also how platforms like X—now with reduced content moderation since Elon Musk’s acquisition—are increasingly vulnerable to coordinated influence campaigns. Researchers warn that AI-enhanced bots may be reshaping online discourse more deeply than ever, even when their individual reach appears minimal.