How ironic?
The Trump campaign is facing criticism after its ads appeared on a video platform called Rumble alongside content promoting Nazi ideology.
Just a coincidence?
The campaign, however, shifted the blame to Rumble’s algorithm, stating that they don’t have control over which videos their ads appear on. According to Rolling Stone, the campaign spokesperson emphasized that Rumble is ultimately responsible for the ads served on its platform.
Rumble, a platform positioned as an alternative to YouTube, hosts a variety of content, including controversial figures like Andrew Tate and Russell Brand. The platform offers both algorithm-placed ads and traditional advertising options, but it’s unclear whether Rumble has specific safeguards to prevent ads from running alongside extremist content.
The Trump campaign admitted to relying on algorithmic placement for their ads but didn’t address concerns about the platform or the nature of the content it hosts. The ads direct viewers to a fundraising webpage for the Trump Save America committee, where donations are solicited to support Trump’s political endeavors.
The particular video that sparked controversy featured Stew Peters, a conspiracy theorist who praised Adolf Hitler. Despite the platform’s hosting of such content, Peters himself has criticized Trump, alleging that the former president is subservient to “Zionist masters.”
Rolling Stone’s investigation into this incident raises questions about the responsibility of platforms like Rumble to prevent the monetization of extremist content through advertising. However, neither Rumble nor Peters responded to requests for comment on the matter.
