Staff Reports
Senator James Lankford has consistently cut through the noise in Washington by focusing on the real culprits behind the rise in political extremism: the powerful social media giants, not false equivalencies between opposing political factions. While some in the media and on the Left seem obsessed with spinning every crisis as a “both sides” issue, Lankford stands out for reminding the nation that the true force fanning the flames of division is the reckless deployment of algorithmic amplification by Big Tech.
Instead of getting bogged down in the tired game of comparing “white nationalism” with radical leftist violence, Lankford’s warnings center on how technology prioritizes the loudest, most radical content—regardless of ideology. These social platforms profit off outrage and chaos, driving wedges into American society while pretending to champion free speech. Conservatives have been warning about this for years; it’s not partisan to recognize that digital manipulation is eroding civil discourse and undermining the nation’s unity.
Crucially, Lankford doesn’t shy away from calling out all extremist violence, as any responsible leader should. But his insistence on equal enforcement of the law cuts against the grain of today’s politically convenient narratives, where left-wing violence often receives a pass from sympathetic media, while conservative outrage receives full, relentless coverage. It’s no secret that law enforcement needs the backing and trust of the people to prevent violence and safeguard order—principles conservatives have stood behind for decades.
The senator’s main point is one long overlooked by many: the tech-driven magnification of extreme views warps the national conversation, making civil engagement harder and distorting reality itself. It’s not just about condemning violence; it’s about understanding the new battlefield where ideas and feelings are manipulated to profit the powerful and marginalize traditional American values.
Until political leaders are willing to hold social media companies accountable and demand transparency from Silicon Valley, the cycle of polarization will only deepen. Americans deserve more than facile “both sides” talking points. They deserve policies rooted in reality and a firm commitment to addressing the sources—not just the symptoms—of modern extremism.
