Viral X Account Spreading Conspiracy Theories Traced to New York Man with Legal Issues
Staff Editor Viral Conspiracy Account Traced to New York Man with Troubled Past
An anonymous social media account known for spreading conspiracy theories about the 2024 election has been linked to Jason G. Palmer, a man from upstate New York with a history of legal and financial troubles, according to an Associated Press investigation.
The account, which uses the profile photo of a Black soldier and the tagline “I FOLLOW BACK TRUE PATRIOTS,” has amassed over 300,000 followers on platform X. It has been responsible for disseminating dubious claims about Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, which have been amplified by prominent Republican figures including Donald Trump and JD Vance.
Recent posts from the account included an alleged affidavit from an ABC News employee claiming Harris received debate questions in advance, and a baseless accusation of inappropriate behavior by Walz linked to Russian disinformation. These incidents highlight the ease with which unverified information can spread online.
The AP’s review of public records and interviews traced the account to Palmer, who is not Black as the profile suggests. Palmer acknowledged involvement with the account but claimed he did not create it, stating he had sold it but participated in recent posts about Walz. He suggested he works as a “researcher” with a broader group and claimed the account was primarily operated by a Black friend.
Evidence linking Palmer to the account includes biographical details and an email address in posts, as well as a video showing Palmer’s email address and initials on a computer screen. The email was also linked to a phone number and Skype account associated with Palmer.
Palmer’s business and legal history reveal a pattern of alleged fraud and unpaid debts. He has been accused of defrauding business partners and lenders, with past real estate ventures ending in lawsuits and unpaid loans. Public records show Palmer owes over $6.7 million in back taxes to New York state.
Former business associates expressed little surprise at Palmer’s involvement in spreading conspiracy theories. Kathleen Albano, who had unsuccessful business dealings with Palmer, and Maureen Bass, who experienced Palmer’s conspiracy-laden communications, both shared their skepticism about his credibility.
This case underscores the complex nature of online disinformation and the potential real-world consequences of viral conspiracy theories. As social media platforms continue to grapple with the spread of false information, the true identities and motivations behind influential anonymous accounts remain a critical area of concern.
