Social media platform X has launched a feature which reveals user location data, uncovering prominent MAGA accounts which are actually based in locations such India and Thailand.
The tool drew immediate attention after users noticed that several high engagement “Make America Great Again” accounts that present themselves as American were listed in Eastern Europe, Thailand, Nigeria and Bangladesh.
Nikita Bier, X head of product, previously said the feature was intended to help users verify content and reduce the impact of troll farms. Once it launched, the sudden appearance of foreign-based MAGA accounts triggered questions about how political messaging spreads and who is behind it.
Some users also claimed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security account appeared in Tel Aviv, Israel. The location label was removed Friday night, but screenshots and videos continued to circulate.
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On Sunday, the department denied the claim. “I can’t believe we have to say this, but this account has only ever been run and operated from the United States,” DHS said. “Screenshots are easy to forge, videos are easy to manipulate. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Bier also said the tool has “a few rough edges” and that incorrect data will be fixed on a delayed schedule to preserve privacy.
He said updates will continue through Tuesday and that information will refresh based on the best data available. His comments aimed to reassure users who questioned the reliability of the early version.
The foreign locations listed for MAGA accounts raised broader concerns about cross border influence. Users questioned whether foreign based actors could be shaping political narratives.
The episode also reopened discussions about authenticity standards online. Many argued tools should help users understand origins without creating new misinformation.
X faces growing pressure to manage accuracy while keeping user privacy intact.
