FBI Debuts Social Media Account to Counter “Bad-Faith Attacks”
The FBI has launched a new “rapid response” account on X (formerly Twitter) aimed at combating what it describes as “an avalanche of lies, smears, and falsehoods” about the bureau, particularly from right-wing influencers and media voices. Within two hours of the account’s first post, an online feud erupted with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, signaling the FBI’s new push to defend its reputation in real time.
Public Clash Over Trump Rally Shooting
Tempers quickly flared when Carlson, referencing his upcoming segment on Thomas Crooks—the accused shooter in the failed assassination attempt on then-candidate Donald Trump in July 2024—accused the FBI of lying about Crooks’ lack of an online footprint. The FBI rapid response account shot back, denying ever making such a statement and reiterating the facts as presented during congressional hearings: that Crooks had possible online activity, but no definitive account linked directly to him has been confirmed.
The incident further drew attention to the bureau’s investigative findings. While the FBI previously indicated Crooks may have engaged in violent or hate-filled online activity, the agency stressed that clear evidence tying these posts to him remains elusive.
Agency’s Bold New Communications Strategy
The rapid response account is part of a wider effort—led by FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, both former podcasters and Trump administration figures—to challenge critics in public forums. The move comes amid ongoing political scrutiny and heightened tensions between the FBI, lawmakers, and conservative media figures.
In a parallel development, the account also responded to Republican Rep. Thomas Massie’s claims about the FBI’s role in recent whistleblower cases, igniting another round of heated exchanges between leadership and congressional critics.