Jackson Hinkle has developed a controversial online presence that led to his removal from YouTube, Twitch, and Instagram. Despite this, he continues to be active and even more energized than before. He now hosts a regular podcast on Rumble, a platform popular among conservatives, and has seen a significant increase in followers on X, where he now has 2.5 million followers, up from 417,000 in just six months.
However, his methods have raised concerns, as he has been known to share false or misleading information, use manipulated images, and make comments deemed antisemitic by watchdog organizations. He has also expressed support for American adversaries such as Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Despite the controversy, Mr. Hinkle has become an online celebrity at the age of 24, symbolizing the current state of the internet where outrage and controversy often lead to attention and financial gain.
His rise to fame may have been aided by coordinated efforts to amplify his content by networks of bots or inauthentic accounts linked to foreign actors like China and Russia. Additionally, changes in policies on X, owned by Elon Musk, have allowed Mr. Hinkle to monetize his platform and generate revenue through premium subscriptions.
Mr. Hinkle’s journey from a progressive activist to a controversial figure with shifting political views has been marked by his increasing focus on international affairs. He has expressed support for authoritarian leaders and controversial geopolitical actions, which has garnered both followers and critics.
His association with Russian propaganda and admiration for figures like Bashar al-Assad and Vladimir Putin have drawn attention and controversy. Despite facing criticism and being suspended from YouTube for policy violations, Mr. Hinkle continues to attract a large following on X, where his content has been amplified by networks of inauthentic accounts.
While Mr. Hinkle’s methods and views have sparked debate and scrutiny, he remains unapologetic about his stance and continues to engage with his audience through controversial content and statements.
Despite facing challenges and controversies, Mr. Hinkle has found ways to monetize his online presence and engage with his audience. His activities on X have provided him with a platform to generate revenue through subscriptions and advertising, although his content has been deemed too controversial for some advertisers.
While Mr. Hinkle admires figures like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens, he sees himself as an independent voice in the media landscape. He continues to navigate the complexities of online platforms and the controversies surrounding his content, maintaining a strong following despite facing criticism and scrutiny.
