Key Takeaways

• Two pro-MAGA X accounts pushing election fraud claims have more than two million followers.
• These accounts are run by a North Macedonian man, not U.S. activists.
• The operator donated to a U.S. campaign, violating laws on foreign election meddling.
• Experts warn that hidden foreign influence can spread false stories and hurt trust.

Two X accounts named Defiant L’s and Resist the Mainstream share posts about fake election fraud. They claim Democrats cheat with votes from undocumented immigrants. In reality, these pages are run by a man who has never set foot in the United States. Yet U.S. lawmakers and prominent figures boost their claims. This shows how foreign election meddling can appear as local activism.

First, both accounts built a large audience. They now reach over two million followers combined. Then top Republicans like Mike Lee, Nancy Mace and Dan Crenshaw started sharing their posts. Even Elon Musk called one of the pages “one of the best accounts on X.” As a result, false stories about voting fraud gained a wider audience, even though the source was overseas.

Next, Rolling Stone uncovered that Raww Digital LLC, a Florida company, actually runs these X pages. Court filings from a photojournalist’s lawsuit revealed the owner as Rumen Naumovski. He lives in North Macedonia and never visited the U.S. While using a Florida address, Naumovski hid behind corporate filings. This is foreign election meddling at its core: a foreign voice posing as a local one.

Exposed: Foreign Election Meddling by One Man

In 2024, a copyright lawsuit revealed Naumovski’s control of Raww Digital LLC. Court papers show he owns 100 percent of the company. He filed it in Florida, but listed his home in Veles, North Macedonia. A month later, he changed the principal address to a registered agent’s office in St. Petersburg, Florida. This allowed him to appear as a U.S. operator.

Moreover, Naumovski donated more than three thousand dollars to a U.S. congressional candidate in 2022. He listed Raww Digital as his employer and used the same Florida address. Under U.S. law, it is a federal crime for foreign nationals to fund election campaigns. Once the candidate learned of the violation, he returned the money. However, experts say most illegal donations hide behind straw donors. It is rare for a foreign national to list themselves directly with the Federal Election Commission.

Also, Naumovski wrote an op-ed claiming he did not know the donation was illegal. He insisted he never set foot in America. Despite that, his X accounts influenced U.S. politics by spreading conspiracy theories. This kind of foreign election meddling shows how easily laws can be skirted with corporate setups.

Why This Matters

Election integrity depends on trusting information sources. When foreign actors pretend to be local voices, they can sway opinions with false claims. Therefore, it becomes harder for citizens to know what is real. In addition, politicians who share content without checking its origin add to the problem. They lend credibility to accounts they believe are American, but in fact operate overseas.

Furthermore, foreign election meddling can cloud debates. It may push extreme views or amplify fringe theories. As a result, public trust in voting systems suffers. In the long run, this can weaken democracy. Thus, catching and stopping hidden operators matters more than ever.

How Social Platforms Can Help

Social media companies must improve transparency. For example, they could require verified locations for political accounts. They could also label pages that show signs of foreign operation. Moreover, they could audit big accounts when foreign connections appear. This would help users spot possible foreign election meddling.

In addition, platforms could limit political ads or posts from accounts without verified citizenship. Such rules would make it harder for overseas actors to influence local debates. Consequently, the public would see fewer conspiracy theories as tabloid fodder.

Tips for Spotting Hidden Accounts

• Check profile details. If an account claims to be local but has vague info, stay alert.
• Look for odd posting patterns. Overseas operators may post at unusual hours.
• Read the comments. Locals often interact differently than foreign-run pages.
• Verify news through trusted outlets. If a big claim appears, seek multiple sources before sharing.
• Watch for corporate ties. Legal filings and business registrations can reveal hidden owners.

Moving Forward

Citizens must stay vigilant. Meanwhile, lawmakers should tighten rules on foreign campaign donations and online influence. Also, social platforms should enforce stricter checks on political accounts. Only then can the spread of false election stories slow down. Ultimately, preventing foreign election meddling protects democracy and keeps elections fair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is foreign election meddling?

Foreign election meddling happens when people or groups from another country try to influence elections. They may spread false news or fund campaigns to help certain candidates.

Who is Rumen Naumovski?

Rumen Naumovski is a North Macedonian national. He runs two major pro-MAGA X accounts through a Florida company called Raww Digital LLC.

Why are foreign donations to U.S. campaigns illegal?

U.S. law bans foreign nationals from giving money to political campaigns. These rules prevent outside governments or individuals from controlling American politics.

How can I spot accounts tied to foreign operators?

Look for vague location details, odd posting times, and suspicious corporate registrations. Always cross-check big claims with trusted news sources before believing or sharing.