DIThe Distraction Index

#politicization

10 events across 7 weeks

4Damage
5Hype
1Noise
25.2Avg Dmg
38.5Avg Hype
WEEK 82Jul 19 – 25
HYPE2026-07-23
GOP Lawmakers Refer Jack Smith to DOJ for Investigation
Enforcement Actionfederal · narrow
Damage
0.5
Hype
34.0
NOISE2026-07-22
House Republicans Criticize Smithsonian Focus
Norm Erosion Onlyfederal · narrow
Damage
4.0
Hype
19.0
HYPE2026-07-19
DOJ Prosecutions Linked to Melania Trump's Involvement
Personnel Capturefederal · broad
Damage
37.3
Hype
69.3
WEEK 79Jun 28 – Jul 4
HYPE2026-07-03
Trump Refashions America's 250th Birthday as Personal Celebration
Information Operationfederal · broad
Damage
6.9
Hype
59.0
WEEK 62Mar 1 – 7
HYPE2026-03-02
Education Department Features Charlie Kirk in Educator Recognition Banners
Personnel Capturefederal · moderate
Damage
15.7
Hype
82.3
WEEK 61Feb 22 – 28
DMG2025-08-08
Trump Executive Order Gives Politicians Control Over Federal Grants
Policy Changefederal · moderate
Damage
44.8
Hype
18.4
WEEK 50Dec 7 – 13
DMG2025-12-11
Trump Opposes Warner Bros. Discovery Retaining CNN Ownership
Personnel Capturefederal · moderate
Damage
33.1
Hype
24.2
WEEK 26Jun 22 – 28
DMG2025-06-25
Intelligence Assessment Disputes Trump Claims on Iran Strike Effectiveness
Information Operationfederal · broad
Damage
36.5
Hype
27.0
WEEK 3Jan 12 – 18
HYPE2025-01-18
Trump Urged to Pardon Pro-Life Protesters Prosecuted by Biden DOJ
Personnel Capturefederal · narrow
Damage
23.5
Hype
30.8
DMG2025-01-18
Trump DOJ Signals End to Ken Paxton Investigation
Personnel Capturefederal · narrow
Damage
49.2
Hype
20.9