In a startling revelation, an investigation by CNN and the Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) has uncovered a coordinated campaign using fake accounts on X, formerly known as Twitter, to promote pro-Trump propaganda. The accounts, which primarily feature stolen images of young European influencers, have been identified as part of an orchestrated effort to influence voters ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

One such account, operated under the handle @Luna_2K24, purported to be a 32-year-old Trump supporter named Luna from Wisconsin. With nearly 30,000 followers, “Luna” frequently posted politically charged messages supporting former President Donald Trump and promoting conspiracy theories about his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. However, “Luna” is not real. The photos used on the account belong to Debbie Nederlof, a German fashion influencer who has no interest in U.S. politics.

“To be honest, ‘what the f**k?’ was my reaction,” Nederlof told CNN. “I have nothing to do with the United States. With Trump, the political things over there. What the hell do I – from a small place in Germany – care about US politics?”

Nederlof is among 17 European women whose photos have been stolen to create fake profiles supporting Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio. The investigation found that many of these accounts employ a systematic pattern of inauthentic behavior, using stolen or AI-generated images of attractive women who declare their support for Trump, using hashtags like #MAGAPatriots and #MAGA2024.

Experts suggest this could be just the tip of the iceberg. The fake accounts appear to be coordinated, often reposting each other’s content to amplify their reach. Some even have blue verification check marks, which could lend them a false sense of credibility. Under Elon Musk’s leadership, X has dismantled many of its mechanisms to guard against misinformation, raising concerns over the platform’s role in disseminating propaganda.

Further complicating matters, recent data from Pew Research Center suggests that over 53% of Trump supporters are older men in their 60s with lower educational backgrounds. This demographic may be particularly susceptible to misinformation, including poorly manipulated images of European influencers in pro-Trump attire. The lack of critical media literacy could make them more vulnerable to deceptive tactics like these.

Adding to the global response, a social media commentator remarked: “We live in a world driven by social media; how did it come to their mind that people won’t easily find out that these pictures are fake? Then again, according to data retrieved from Pew Research Center, more than 53% of Trump supporters are old men in their 60s with no education and are more likely to be fooled by a bad photoshopped image of a European model wearing a MAGA hat with an American flag or eagle in the background.”

Demi Maric, a 27-year-old business student from Amsterdam, is another victim. Her photos were used by a fake “MAGA” profile under the name Gabriela. One post showed her holding a drink with a caption urging support for Trump. “It feels weird that I have to be part of a lawsuit even though I had nothing to do with the case,” she said, referencing a legal dispute she got dragged into due to her stolen images.

The situation reflects a growing trend where women’s images are exploited for political and economic gains online. CIR’s director of investigation, Benjamin Strick, noted that by hijacking these images, the fake accounts aim to create relatable human personas to attract and deceive followers.

The use of stolen images has implications beyond mere reputational damage; it poses a serious threat to women’s online safety and privacy. The European Union’s Digital Services Act aims to curb such impersonation, but enforcement remains challenging.

As the 2024 presidential race heats up, this case serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics used to manipulate public opinion online. Victims like Nederlof are left to wonder if there will ever be adequate policies to protect their digital identities.

“Every day, my face and my body, my pictures, my identity is stolen, and that makes me very mad,” said Nederlof. “That is definitely not me, and it will never be me.”