Biden Administration’s New Disinformation Board Paused After Three Weeks As Jankowicz Resigns

The Biden administration's efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation were paused Wednesday, as officials announced that the Department of Homeland Security's Disinformation Board would be put on hold for three weeks.

The official picked to run the board, writer-researcher Nina Jankowicz, resigned Wednesday after coming under fire from Republicans and far-right pundits.

Republican and conservative criticism of Jankowicz has come from the likes of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who has made comments that support Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. Jankowicz is the author of "How to Lose the Information War: Russia, Fake News and the Future of Conflict."

Conservative pundits have complained about the board's potential for the suppression of their voices. Jankowicz has reportedly faced intense and difficult scrutiny.

"Nina Jankowicz has been subjected to unjustified and vile personal attacks and physical threats," said a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.

Jankowicz wrote, according to CNN, that "it is deeply disappointing that mischaracterizations of the Board became a distraction from the Department's vital work, and indeed, along with recent events globally and nationally, embodies why it is necessary."

She also wrote that the board's future is "uncertain" but she will continue her work and trusts "the Department will do the same."

Her appointment to the Disinformation Board would help the government in its effort to combat Russian disinformation during the continued invasion of Ukraine. The creation of the board also sought to combat election disinformation, specifically related to the 2020 Presidential election, and misleading claims about smuggling along the U.S.-Mexico border.

An advisory committee within the DHS will examine the role and effectiveness of the newly created board. This advisory committee will issue a recommendation in 75 days, according to the Associated Press.