Summary

Researcher Elise Thomas uncovered a network of AI-driven bots on X (formerly Twitter) promoting Donald Trump ahead of the U.S. presidential election.

The bots, which sometimes inadvertently reveal their AI origins, were identified through telltale signs like outdated hashtags and accidental “refusals.” The accounts, many of which were blue check-verified, act as amplifiers for central “originator” accounts.

Though suspended by X after Thomas reported them, the network highlights the potential of AI to automate disinformation, making it challenging to attribute and detect such operations in future elections.