Trump allies eye Infowars takeover as bankruptcy auction looms, threatening to reshape conservative media landscape.
At a Glance
- Infowars faces bankruptcy auction due to over $1 billion in defamation judgments
- Trump loyalist Roger Stone assembling investors to preserve the platform
- Auction could end Jones’ control or allow continuance under new management
- Assets for sale include Infowars brand, video archives, and equipment
- Proceeds will go to creditors, primarily Sandy Hook families
Infowars on the Auction Block
Alex Jones’ Infowars empire stands on the brink of dismantlement as a court-ordered bankruptcy auction threatens to liquidate the controversial media platform. The auction, stemming from over $1 billion in defamation judgments related to Jones’ false claims about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, has attracted interest from figures loyal to former President Donald Trump, signaling a potential shift in the conservative media landscape.
Roger Stone, a longtime ally of both Jones and Trump, has expressed interest in preserving Infowars by assembling a group of investors. Stone describes Infowars as a “beacon of the truth,” underscoring the platform’s significance to certain conservative circles. The auction could either spell the end of Jones’ control over Infowars or allow for its continuation under new management, potentially reshaping its future direction and influence.
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
Assets Up for Grabs
The auction encompasses a wide range of Infowars assets, including the brand itself, video archives, trademarks, studio equipment, and even an armored truck. Notably, Jones’ personal social media accounts are not part of the sale. This comprehensive liquidation follows Jones’ personal bankruptcy filing in late 2022, a direct consequence of the massive defamation judgments against him.
“There’s a lot of buyers, people that are patriots that want it and will come in,” Jones said.
The proceeds from the auction will go to creditors, with the Sandy Hook families being the primary beneficiaries. This financial reckoning comes after years of Jones spreading conspiracy theories about the tragic school shooting, leading to harassment and threats against the victims’ families.
The Auction Process and Potential Outcomes
Bids for Infowars assets are due by Friday, with a live auction scheduled for next Wednesday. A second auction in December will handle any unsold items. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez will oversee the process, having converted Jones’ bankruptcy case to liquidation. This means all assets of Infowars’ parent company, Free Speech Systems, will be controlled by the trustee overseeing the bankruptcy case.
The auction has attracted diverse interest. While Trump loyalists see an opportunity to preserve and potentially expand Infowars’ influence, critics, including progressive media outlets, are considering transforming it into a platform for debunking conspiracy theories or a parody site. This range of potential buyers reflects the ongoing ideological struggle within media circles and the contested nature of Infowars’ legacy.
Jones’ Future and Legal Challenges
Despite the potential loss of Infowars, Alex Jones is preparing alternative websites and social media channels to continue broadcasting. He has expressed confidence in finding “patriots” to buy Infowars and plans to rebuild if necessary, viewing any disruption as temporary. However, Jones faces ongoing legal challenges, including appeals of the verdicts against him, which he contests on free speech grounds.
The bankruptcy proceedings have also raised questions about Jones’ personal assets and future earnings. Sandy Hook families are pushing for Jones to lose his social media accounts and a portion of his future earnings, highlighting the ongoing battle to hold him accountable for his past actions while he seeks to maintain his media presence and influence.
