As Christian conservatives, we often find ourselves in a tricky spot when talking about misinformation. The Bible reminds us in John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” That verse isn’t just about spiritual truth—it’s a reminder that truth matters in every part of our lives, from personal decisions to national policy. And yet, in our politically charged, AI-driven world, truth can feel like a slippery fish to catch.

So, what do we make of the recent revelations about the Biden administration’s $267 million anti-misinformation campaign? Critics argue it may have infringed on First Amendment rights, while others see it as an attempt to keep dangerous falsehoods at bay, particularly about COVID-19. Now, pair that with President-elect Trump’s vow to dismantle what he calls a “censorship cartel,” and you’ve got a real battle brewing. Let’s unpack this.

Misinformation vs. Free Speech: The Tightrope Walk

Let’s be honest: there’s a fine line between combating misinformation and suppressing free speech. On one hand, no one wants a world where lies run rampant. Misinformation isn’t just annoying—it’s dangerous. We saw this during the pandemic, where conspiracy theories ranged from the mildly amusing (5G towers cause COVID!) to the downright deadly (drinking bleach as a cure). As Christians, we are called to reject falsehood. Ephesians 4:25 reminds us, “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”

But here’s the catch—when the government decides what counts as misinformation, we’re treading on thin ice. The First Amendment exists to protect speech, even the kind we don’t like. It’s not the government’s job to be the ultimate arbiter of truth; history shows us how quickly that power can be abused.

A New Administration, Old Problems

President-elect Trump’s pledge to dismantle the so-called censorship cartel might sound appealing to free speech advocates, but let’s not pretend this will be easy. The previous administration’s efforts may have been overreaching, but simply tearing down structures without thoughtful replacements risks creating a Wild West of digital chaos. Misinformation—whether about elections, pandemics, or international conflicts—thrives in lawlessness.

And speaking of international conflicts, let’s touch on those Russian propaganda claims. Yes, there are Americans who genuinely believe the Kremlin’s narrative that Ukraine is run by Nazis. Let me be clear: that’s nonsense. Ukraine has its issues, like any country, but widespread Nazism is not one of them. This kind of disinformation shows how easily some people can be duped when they trust dubious online “research” instead of credible sources.

The Role of AI and the New Frontier

Now, add AI to the mix, and the game changes entirely. AI has the potential to combat misinformation, but it can also spread it faster than ever. The Biden administration laid the groundwork for regulating AI, but with President-elect Trump signaling a rollback on those regulations, we face an uncertain future. How do we balance free speech with protecting our society from AI-generated chaos?

Here’s a thought: rather than throwing out regulations altogether, let’s push for transparency and accountability. AI companies should disclose their algorithms and how their systems are being used to influence information. This isn’t about censorship; it’s about ensuring that tools meant for good aren’t being hijacked for harm.

Solutions Rooted in Faith and Wisdom

So, what’s a Christian conservative to do in this tangled mess? Here are a few ideas:

1. Equip Individuals with Discernment: As Christians, we’re called to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). That means teaching people how to evaluate sources critically. Not every flashy infographic or viral tweet is the Gospel truth.
2. Promote Private-Sector Solutions: Instead of relying on government interventions that risk overreach, encourage tech companies, churches, and communities to combat misinformation through education and tools that promote factual discourse.
3. Encourage Civic Engagement with Grace: Speak up when you see lies being spread, but do it with love and humility. Nobody has ever been argued into the truth through caps-lock shouting on Facebook.
4. Support International Cooperation: Let’s not forget that misinformation isn’t just an American problem. Whether it’s Russian propaganda or AI-generated deepfakes, we need to work with allies to address the global nature of these threats.

Truth as Our Guiding Light

Ultimately, our commitment to truth must guide us. We live in a fallen world where deception abounds, but we serve a God of truth. As Psalm 34:13 says, “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” That’s our standard. It’s not just about avoiding lies ourselves—it’s about actively standing for truth in a way that honors God and respects the freedoms we hold dear.

Whether it’s the Biden administration’s well-meaning (if flawed) attempts at curbing misinformation, Trump’s pushback against censorship, or the looming challenges of AI, we must navigate these waters carefully. Freedom of speech is a God-given right, but it comes with a responsibility: to use our words for good and not for harm. Let’s rise to that challenge with courage, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the truth.