Revealed: the Operators Behind Four Major Neo-Nazi X Accounts
www.texasobserver.org
Anonymity has long been a tactic used by extremists to spread their ideology while avoiding social consequences, from Klansmen hoods to online pseudonyms.

Summary

Under Elon Musk, X (formerly Twitter) has become a hub for white supremacist content due to reduced moderation.

A Texas Observer investigation identified four neo-Nazi account operators, tied to Texas, New Hampshire, and Virginia, whose content has amassed 500,000 followers and millions of views.

Despite sharing antisemitic and pro-Nazi rhetoric, some accounts received responses from Musk and benefited from ad revenue and verification.

Public figures, including politicians, follow these accounts. Employers and the Navy are investigating the individuals, raising questions about accountability and platform policies.

    • formergijoe@lemmy.world
      68·
      7 days ago

      The guy working the naval shipyard might get got if he’s part of a Nazi club. SF86 is a questionnaire required for a security clearance. Section 29 asks if you’ve committed an act of terror or are associated with groups dedicated to restricting constitutional rights of citizens or overthrowing the government.

      If nothing else, lying on a federal form is a federal crime.

      • scsi@lemm.ee
        33·
        7 days ago

        When asked about Provenzano’s employment and apparent posts on X, a public affairs officer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Indian Head provided the following statement: “The Navy has a zero-tolerance policy for extremist conduct and takes all allegations of personnel involvement in extremist groups seriously. These allegations are under investigation. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

        …

        Provenzano did not respond to requests for comment sent to his email or X account. Less than a week after the Navy provided comment for this story, the utism_ account was deleted.

            • chingadera@lemmy.world
              45·
              7 days ago

              Not a sir, I’m not too sure about that.

              Chase-Manhattan Bank Known today as JP Morgan Chase, the Chase Manhattan Bank has a spotty history with Nazi Germany.

              Notably, during the buildup of the Third Reich, Chase-Manhattan (with a handful of other US banks) aided the Nazis by helping them raise $20 million for a dollar exchange, a commission from which the bank profited $500,000

              They did it when it was popular and profitable the first time, and they are a business.

                • chingadera@lemmy.world
                  6·
                  7 days ago

                  I didn’t mean it that way friend, more of a hi hungry I’m dad kind of way. The not sure about that was more of a general reply to what you had said, but in retrospect, I can see it being read the way you read it. I’ll be conscious of that next time.

                  Quick aside, that original Sir was also supposed to be a sir this is a Wendy’s thing

                  I hope you are right though, we don’t need more Nazis.

        • TipRing@lemmy.worldEnglish
          12·
          7 days ago

          Just to be clear. Vice President is a title one step above Associate. There are tens of thousands of vice presidents there and at most other banks. It doesn’t mean he has any authority in the company.

          • curbstickle@lemmy.dbzer0.com
            10·
            7 days ago

            Which also means its just bad press to have their name associated with him, and its unlikely they will have the slightest concern about terminating his employment over this - other than using it to say “We won’t tolerate this”.

            • TipRing@lemmy.worldEnglish
              11·
              7 days ago

              Without question. This guy is not important and nobody will protect him. Most people don’t realize that banks hand out that particular title like candy. When I worked at JPMC, I was an associate (nobody important) and my manager was a vice president. There were 7 levels of management between me and the CIO.

              • curbstickle@lemmy.dbzer0.com
                2·
                7 days ago

                Yup, and I think it may be even more of a gap now, there are a few other titles up to even MD at this point (if my rough count is accurate), which still has a few levels to go to the c suite.

                He’s nothing in the hierarchy, I doubt he’d be there by next week.

                • TipRing@lemmy.worldEnglish
                  2·
                  7 days ago

                  It was probably more than that when I was there and I’m just misremembering the org chart, it was some time ago.

                  • curbstickle@lemmy.dbzer0.com
                    1·
                    7 days ago

                    Maybe, but they also keep adding intermediate levels it seems like.

                    I dont work there just to mention, I just have to work with them (and many other similar companies). I keep seeing new titles over the years. Could have already been there of course, but some people seem to be doing the same job with a new title and no other changes.

    • gAlienLifeform@lemmy.world
      32·
      7 days ago

      If this story gets widespread and sustained attention I bet the JP Morgan VP is done for. Not that they have a problem with that sort of thing if he had kept it quiet, but having it come out could cost them some money and he’s not important enough for that.

      • scsi@lemm.ee
        32·
        7 days ago

        In response to a request for comment from the Observer, Michaela Ross, vice president of media relations and executive communications with JP Morgan Chase, responded via email: “The employee in question is on leave while we complete our investigation. We do not tolerate hate speech of any kind.”