South Cook News

An Illinois congressional candidate shared her opinion in response to two legislators' support of the Disinformation Governance Board (DGB) proposed by the Biden administration.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) earlier this month released a fact sheet that designated the DGB as an internal group that aims to combat disinformation, which was defined as "false information that is deliberately spread with the intent to deceive or mislead." Under the leadership of Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the DHS hopes to boost public trust in the DGB through quarterly reports.

"Having a Disinformation Governance Board is an illegal attempt to usurp the protections of and rights of the American people," congressional candidate Philanise White told South Cook News. "Additionally, no group of unelected individuals and/or appointed board has the legal authority to enact, suppress and/or work contrary to the constitutional rights of the people under the First Amendment."

Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary, emphasized that the DGB will be nonpartisan and apolitical, according to Yahoo News. The board's goal is to fight disinformation related to human trafficking, extremism, and foreign interference in American elections and politics. DHS told the Associated Press that the aim of the board is to "monitor and prepare for Russian disinformation threats as this year's midterm elections near and the Kremlin continues an aggressive disinformation campaign around the war in Ukraine."

 But, many conservatives are concerned about the DGB's executive director, Nina Jankowicz, who they allege has spread false information in the past. 

"My interactions and conversations with constituents, neighbors, and voters, in general, have confirmed that this Disinformation Governance Board will not be successful," White said. "The American people make up the majority in this country and they are fully aware of the tactics that are emerging as attempts to change this country into a communist state instead of the constitutional republic that we are."

Two Illinois legislators shared their support for the DGB. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Schaumburg) did not condemn its formation and Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville) expressed her approval. Underwood advocated for the board to include information for Spanish speakers in their language, according to The Center Square. 

The legislators will have to defend their stances during the upcoming election against Republican congressional candidates Jack Lombardi, Scott Gryder, Mike Koolidge, James Marter, and Jaime Milton in Naperville and Karen Kolodziej, Chad Koppie, Peter Kopsaftis, Phil Wood, and Chris Dargis in Schaumburg. 

Dargis called on Krishnamoorthi to oppose the Disinformation Governance Board. A spokesperson for Krishnamoorthi responded, "Congressman Krishnamoorthi looks forward to debating the issues pertaining to social media and disinformation with the Republican nominee after the primary election on June 28," The Center Square reported.