Psyop expert Chase Hughes explains how the CIA recruits influencers, describing a step by step process.
He says it begins with overwhelming leverage, where someone is confronted with their browsing history and even private, compromising footage.
Then comes the pivot. Praise, protection, and a lucrative offer, sometimes as much as $20,000 a month.
Hughes argues the key is making the target feel like it was their choice all along.
Even as they are quietly pressured to censor guests, avoid certain topics, or shape their content, they convince themselves it is justified and for the greater good.