Article publié le 6 février 2026 à 00h52
A social media influencer of the far-right whose political career has been fueled more by provocation than votes complained this week that Texas Republicans had barred her from attending party events. She also claimed, without evidence, that she had been stripped of her ability to vote, allegations that approach in a familiar mix of incendiary rhetoric and unsubstantiated claims.
Valentina Gomez, who has described herself to her over 400,000 online followers as a Colombian immigrant and MAGA conservative, made the claims in a video posted Wednesday on Instagram. In the video, she alleges the Texas Republican Party is “so corrupt” that it barred her from holding office within the party after she “exposed the horrible health of Congressman John Carter, 84,” the long-serving incumbent of Texas’ 31st Congressional District. She also claims she is “under investigation by multiple federal agencies” and alleges officials “used their power to remove me from voter rolls,” adding that “they made it illegal for me to vote.”
The episode follows a pattern. Gomez previously ran for Missouri Republican Secretary of State in 2024 and lost heavily, finishing near the bottom of a crowded primary. That campaign drew national attention for anti-gay slurs, attacks against transgender people, and incendiary stunts.
The Rise of Provocative Political Influencers
Gomez’s case exemplifies a growing trend: the emergence of far-right influencers who gain prominence through deliberately provocative statements and actions. These individuals often bypass traditional media gatekeepers, directly reaching audiences through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. This direct access allows them to cultivate a dedicated following, even if their claims are unsubstantiated.
As highlighted by web search results, this phenomenon isn’t limited to the United States. In France, influencers are credited with boosting the success of the Rassemblement National (RN) and Jordan Bardella, demonstrating the power of social media in shaping political landscapes. These influencers often draw inspiration from the “alt-right” movement in the US, employing similar tactics and targeting similar demographics.
Strategies of Engagement: Outrage and Polarization
A key strategy employed by these influencers is the deliberate use of outrage and polarization. By making inflammatory statements about issues like immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and cultural values, they generate engagement and attract attention. This approach, while controversial, can be highly effective in mobilizing supporters and driving political narratives.
The case of Gomez illustrates this perfectly. Her claims of voter suppression and federal investigations, coupled with her promises to “make Texas the worst place to live for Muslim terrorists, illegals, and corrupt politicians,” are designed to provoke strong reactions and rally her base.
The Role of Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms play a crucial role in amplifying the reach of these influencers. While platforms like Meta (Instagram) have taken steps to remove accounts that violate their policies, the sheer volume of content and the speed at which it spreads make it tricky to effectively moderate.
Meta deactivated Gomez’s Instagram account for repeated violations of its policies, but she resurfaced in Texas, continuing to spread her message. This highlights the challenge of containing the spread of misinformation and hate speech online.
The “Fachosphere” and Online Radicalization
The web search results refer to the “fachosphère,” a term used to describe the far-right online ecosystem. This network of websites, social media accounts, and influencers shares and amplifies extremist ideologies. It often operates outside the mainstream media, creating echo chambers where radical views are reinforced.
This ecosystem has evolved over time, from obscure websites in the 1990s and 2000s to sophisticated social media campaigns today. The use of marketing techniques and the adoption of influencer culture have made far-right ideologies more accessible and appealing to younger audiences.
Future Trends and Implications
Several trends suggest that the influence of far-right influencers will continue to grow. The increasing polarization of political discourse, the decline of trust in traditional media, and the proliferation of social media platforms all contribute to this phenomenon.
We can expect to see more influencers adopting similar strategies of provocation and polarization, targeting specific demographics with tailored messages. The use of video content, particularly short-form videos on platforms like TikTok, will likely turn into even more prevalent.
the lines between online activism and real-world politics will continue to blur. Influencers will increasingly seek to translate their online popularity into political power, running for office or supporting candidates who align with their ideologies.
The Rise of Female Far-Right Influencers
Interestingly, there’s a growing number of female far-right influencers, like Alice Cordier, Estelle Redpill, and Thaïs d’Escufon. They often position themselves as defenders of traditional values and targets of perceived injustices, attracting a young, male audience. This trend suggests a broadening of the far-right base and a diversification of its messaging.
FAQ
- What is the “fachosphère”? It’s a term for the far-right online ecosystem, encompassing websites, social media accounts, and influencers that share extremist ideologies.
- How do these influencers gain followers? They often use provocative statements and actions to generate engagement and attract attention.
- Are social media platforms doing enough to combat this trend? Platforms are taking some steps, but the volume of content and the speed at which it spreads make effective moderation challenging.
Pro Tip: Be critical of information you encounter online. Verify claims with multiple sources before accepting them as true.
What are your thoughts on the rise of political influencers? Share your opinions in the comments below!
