Bad actors with bad intel have their sites on vets

Veterans are increasingly in the crosshairs of domestic extremist groups and foreign disinformation efforts, two overlapping threats that experts say are reshaping the digital battlespace. Over the past three decades, the number of veterans involved in extremist criminal plots has risen by 350%, according to the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism.

Researchers say some extremists intentionally prey on veterans’ sense of belonging, purpose and loyalty—especially during vulnerable transition periods after leaving the military. The Department of Veterans Affairs has long recognized that separating service members face increased risks as they adjust from structured military life to civilian uncertainty, a space where extremist recruitment often begins.

One reason, experts say, is that propaganda is increasingly designed to appeal to values tied to service. Cynthia Miller-Idriss of American University described it as rhetoric “laden with appeals to ‘brotherhood,’ defensive … a chance to be a part of a meaningful cause.”

Rising Distrust and Targeted Manipulation

At the same time, trust in core U.S. institutions—including the military, Congress, the presidency and the media—has eroded. Some veterans and civilians alike have shifted from skepticism to hostility toward government, a trend that can be exploited.

“When it becomes patriotic to be against your government, then there’s a problem there,” said Scott Cooper, a Marine veteran and founder of the Veterans and Citizens Initiative. He said some of the rhetoric that once fueled lone extremists such as Timothy McVeigh is “now becoming mainstream.”

Extremist narratives often attempt to convert feelings of betrayal or disillusionment into a mission. These groups frame violence as defense against “traitors” or “tyrannical leaders,” Miller-Idriss said, providing veterans with a sense of purpose while drawing on their tactical training and social credibility.

Foreign Governments Exploiting Veterans Through AI

Foreign adversaries, including Russia, China and Iran, are also attempting to influence U.S. veterans through artificial intelligence, fake personas and coordinated online campaigns.

A report by Microsoft found that China is using AI-generated images and videos to deepen U.S. divisions surrounding national elections. These efforts include impersonating veterans online and amplifying conspiratorial narratives that question government legitimacy.