The Trump administration has enlisted the help of right-wing influencers to convince the public of the need to send National Guard troops into Democrat-led cities.

According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, figures like conservative podcaster Benny Johnson are being granted access to senior officials like Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. In exchange, Johnson has presented a false image to his audience of the need for armed federal troops in cities like Portland.

Johnson is best known outside of conservative circles for repeated plagiarism at Buzzfeed and the National Review, which led to his dismissal from both outlets. Johnson has since been a regular source of right-wing misinformation and lies—dovetailing with the tactics of the Trump administration.

In one instance, Johnson an

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