The iconic conservative platform Infowars faces a court-ordered auction, threatening to dismantle Alex Jones’ media empire and raising questions about the future of alternative news sources. And Trump allies are looking into buying it.
At a Glance
- Infowars faces auction due to over $1 billion in defamation judgments related to Sandy Hook
- Roger Stone and other Trump allies aim to preserve the platform’s current ideology
- Critics seek to transform Infowars into a fact-checking or parody site
- Alex Jones prepares alternative channels to continue his media presence
- Auction proceeds will go to creditors, primarily Sandy Hook families
Alex Jones’ Infowars, a platform that has been a cornerstone of alternative media for 25 years, is now on the auction block. This development comes as a result of over $1 billion in defamation judgments related to Jones’ false claims about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The court-ordered auction threatens to dismantle the entire Infowars brand, including its video archives, trademarks, and even an armored truck.
The auction, set to conclude next Wednesday, has attracted interest from both supporters and critics of Jones’ controversial platform. Roger Stone, a longtime ally of Jones and former President Donald Trump, has expressed interest in preserving Infowars by assembling a group of investors. Stone refers to Infowars as a “beacon of the truth,” highlighting the divide in perceptions of the platform’s role in media.
Roger Stone, an ally of President-elect Donald Trump, has expressed interest in preserving Alex Jones' media company. https://t.co/hb1AHYWulU
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) November 8, 2024
A Battle for Control
While Jones’ supporters aim to maintain Infowars’ current trajectory, critics see the auction as an opportunity to reshape the platform. Progressive media outlets like The Barbed Wire and Media Matters for America have shown interest in transforming Infowars into a platform for debunking conspiracy theories or a parody site. This clash of intentions reflects the broader debate about the role of alternative media in shaping public opinion.
“He’s damaged our state. He’s damaged our country. I think arguably he’s damaged the world,” Jeff Rotkoff, owner of the Texas-based The Barbed Wire said.
The auction process itself is complex, with bidders required to provide a 10% deposit and sign a nondisclosure agreement. The bankruptcy trustee, Christopher R. Murray, will select the winning bid, which may not necessarily be the highest offer. This process adds an element of uncertainty to the future of Infowars and its assets.
By the way, consider how much of a big deal this is…the winning offer will be selected by the trustee, and it might not be the highest bid. So who’s to say that Trump allies won’t simply be blocked from buying it, while liberals are allowed to take the brand and destroy it?
Despite the looming threat to his media empire, Alex Jones remains defiant and optimistic. He has been preparing for the potential loss of Infowars by setting up alternative websites and social media channels to continue broadcasting. Jones anticipates only a temporary disruption in his operations if Infowars is sold, planning to work with new partners to rebuild his platform.
“There’s a lot of buyers, people that are patriots that want it and will come in,” Alex Jones said.
Jones’ confidence in the face of adversity is evident in his public statements. He believes there’s a “70% chance that good folks buy it,” referring to potential buyers who would maintain Infowars’ current editorial stance. However, he also acknowledges the uncertainty of the process, stating, “Who knows whether the good bidders will get blocked out or something, and so they won’t be able to bid.”
