Federal Operations, Fatal Shooting, and the Trump Administration's Social Media Strategy in Minnesota
Federal operations in Minnesota, including a fatal shooting involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, have coincided with the Trump administration's extensive use of social media as a key component of its governance strategy. This approach, characterized by frequent content creation and direct messaging, has been met with both support and criticism. It exists within a broader landscape where bystander videos increasingly shape public understanding of law enforcement actions.
Federal Enforcement and a Fatal Incident
An increased presence of federal agents in Minnesota preceded a fatal shooting on January 7, involving 37-year-old Renee Macklin Good and ICE Agent Jonathan Ross. Video footage showed Good's SUV blocking a lane. Agent Ross circled her car, and agents ordered her to exit the vehicle. Good briefly reversed, turned her steering wheel, and drove forward. Ross then discharged his firearm, fatally shooting Good. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials stated Agent Ross sustained internal bleeding from being struck by the car, but did not provide details on the extent of the injuries.
Following another incident in Minneapolis involving an ICE shooting, federal agents were observed deploying flash-bang grenades, pepper balls, and chemical irritants against protesters. In response, pro-Trump influencers advocated for the president to invoke the Insurrection Act. President Trump subsequently threatened such action unless Minnesota's politicians addressed "professional agitators and insurrectionists."
The White House posted an image of armed federal agents with the caption, "STAND WITH ICE."
The Administration's Social Media Strategy
The Trump administration has utilized social media and content creation as integral components of its communication strategy. This includes disseminating videos featuring federal agents, such as a DHS production showcasing Border Patrol agents, often accompanied by captions like the Bible verse, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
This communication approach has been observed in various contexts beyond Minnesota:
- A 2026 military operation targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro generated viral images and clips, with official photos showing officials monitoring social media search results for Venezuela.
- The Labor Department shared a graphic containing a QAnon slogan, "Trust the Plan."
- An ICE recruitment post on Instagram utilized a song popularized by white supremacists, "WE'LL HAVE OUR HOME AGAIN."
- Vice President JD Vance has criticized media and critics online.
- The White House X account posted memes asserting the United States' intent to acquire Greenland.
In Minnesota, this strategy also amplified reports related to immigration. A video by YouTuber Nick Shirley, alleging fraud at Somali-run daycare centers, was praised by Vice President Vance and the White House, although state investigators found the daycares were operating as expected. Separately, federal cases concerning large-scale fraud in social service programs, including a $250 million scheme involving a COVID-era nutrition program with many individuals of Somali descent, have been documented.
The administration also announced intentions to withhold federal funding from Minnesota and other Democratic-led states, efforts that have largely been blocked by courts. President Trump threatened to halt payments to "sanctuary cities or states" and announced the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals, including a meme referencing a Somali pirate. Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff for policy, stated on the Homeland Security X account that ICE officers "have federal immunity in the conduct of your duties," a claim legal scholars have noted is not absolute.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) effort, led by Elon Musk, was reportedly inspired by an online meme and relied on online suggestions and social media content for its efforts to cancel federal contracts and dismiss federal workers. Administration staffing has also included individuals known as online influencers. The administration has engaged with influencers and partisan journalists through special briefings and access. An event discussing antifa, following amplification of protests in Portland by pro-Trump influencers, resulted in the State Department designating four European leftist groups as foreign terrorist organizations.
Perspectives on the Administration's Approach
Liz Huston, White House assistant press secretary, stated the White House possesses:
"an authentic style and unmatched communications strategy" led by President Donald J. Trump.
Academics have offered various observations:
- University at Buffalo professor Yini Zhang noted this strategy resembles "continuous campaigning" due to frequent posting and real-time agenda-setting.
- University of Oregon professor Whitney Phillips described the communication as "combative, highly provocative," focusing on a perceived "fight between real Americans" and an "imagined liberal other."
- University of Michigan professor Don Moynihan referred to this as a "clicktatorship," warning of extreme behavior and limited contact with diverse perspectives.
- Georgetown University professor Renée DiResta described influencers as "aligned and part of that propaganda machine."
Michael Brodkorb, a former Minnesota Republican Party officer, commented that the use of "blunt, raw language" served to "energize folks on social media." Political strategist Larry Schack observed a shift from policy-driven to narrative-driven politics, where voters adopt partisan narratives that influence their interpretation of facts.
The Role of Bystander Videos and Public Reaction
Bystander videos have played a significant role in shaping public understanding of incidents involving law enforcement over several decades.
- Historical precedents: The 1991 Rodney King beating, the 2009 shooting of Oscar Grant, and the 2020 death of George Floyd were all captured by bystanders, with the footage widely disseminated and influencing public discourse and social movements.
- Recent incidents: The 2024 killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Macklin Good by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis were captured from multiple angles by observers and immediately shared on social media.
Technological advancements, particularly the widespread use of smartphones and social media, have made it easier for bystanders to record and quickly disseminate videos to millions of people, making social media a primary source of news for many. These videos can mobilize political protest, drive public participation, and contribute to greater government transparency by challenging initial official narratives.
In response to the federal actions, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz attributed escalating tensions to the Trump administration's governance, calling it:
"governing by reality TV."
He encouraged Minnesotans to record videos of ICE agents' actions to create a "database of the atrocities" and "bank evidence for future prosecution." Multiple videos of the Jan. 7 shooting were shared online and incorporated into administration content to support their narrative. President Trump's immediate response included a post stating Good "ran over the ICE officer." Vice President Vance referred to Good as a "leftist" and criticized journalists. A DHS agency spokesperson later released a video reinforcing the administration's narrative.
Challenges and Broader Implications
Despite their impact, bystander videos represent only a moment in time and may not convey the full context of an event. Ambiguity in videos can lead to varied interpretations based on existing attitudes, and shorter videos, common on social media, can be misleading. The increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence and deepfake videos introduces further complications, making it more challenging for the public to differentiate between authentic and manipulated content.
While the administration's social media-first strategy has supported its initiatives, it has also encountered setbacks. During the 2024 campaign, promises to release Jeffrey Epstein documents led to disappointment among supporters when little new material was released. Opponents, such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, have adopted similar antagonistic communication styles.
Professor Zhang warned that the "coarsening of the political discourse" could lead to increased polarization or disengagement from politics. Professor Phillips noted that if the administration has harnessed algorithms for its benefit, those same mechanisms might contribute to its "undoing" when visuals prompt public reaction.