Eliot Higgins
@eliothiggins.bsky.social
Founder and creative director of Bellingcat and director of Bellingcat Productions BV. Author of We Are Bellingcat.
Pinned
🧵 @jburnmurdoch.ft.com is spot on about the conditions in his FT piece. Liberal democracy held it together thanks to growth, good demographics, and the promise of a better future. Those days are gone, and that’s the "why" behind the erosion. However...
Democratic politicians have, though, pursued growth in GDP at the expense of other values. One response to @jburnmurdoch.ft.com pessimistic scenario is refocus on those values, combined with egalitarianism, sufficiency and quality of life. Not "it's the economy, stupid" but "it's the the society"
The events of the last 24 hours show why it's important to build functional verification structures in public and counterpublic spaces to resist the authoritarian erosion of our democratic systems, as described in this thread.
I see the Gray Zone Boyz are in "you gotta hand it to Noam Chomsky" mode.
February 10, 2026 at 8:03 AM
I see the Gray Zone Boyz are in "you gotta hand it to Noam Chomsky" mode.
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
Vermont US Representative Becca Balint being interviewed by Drop Site News shortly after reviewing more, unreleased Epstein files saying
"They're all a bunch of sick fucks"
"They're all a bunch of sick fucks"
February 10, 2026 at 3:02 AM
Vermont US Representative Becca Balint being interviewed by Drop Site News shortly after reviewing more, unreleased Epstein files saying
"They're all a bunch of sick fucks"
"They're all a bunch of sick fucks"
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
i got stuck explaining fascism to an 8-year-old who had seen the word on a protest sign.
explaining gay is trivial.
explaining gay is trivial.
always so funny to me when people are like “how am I supposed to explain Gay to my kids?” my kid asks me way harder shit all the time. “why did they build the road this way? why are some people bad?” I don’t know. please ask me about Gay
February 10, 2026 at 3:21 AM
i got stuck explaining fascism to an 8-year-old who had seen the word on a protest sign.
explaining gay is trivial.
explaining gay is trivial.
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
i think this more than anything is what miller wants. vast detention camps with all of the suffering and death that means.
ICE has now spent over half a BILLION dollars just on purchasing warehouses around the country to convert into detention camps.
If these mega-camps are utilized to the full capacity ICE intends, they'll be the largest prisons in the country, with little real oversight. www.ajc.com/politics/202...
If these mega-camps are utilized to the full capacity ICE intends, they'll be the largest prisons in the country, with little real oversight. www.ajc.com/politics/202...
ICE to begin detaining immigrants inside Social Circle warehouse in April
Homeland Security plans to build warehouse detention facilities in other cities being met with opposition.
www.ajc.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:56 AM
i think this more than anything is what miller wants. vast detention camps with all of the suffering and death that means.
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
It would be great if the top two stories about the executive branch were not a huge multinational child rape coverup and the establishment of a gulag of concentration camps
February 10, 2026 at 4:54 AM
It would be great if the top two stories about the executive branch were not a huge multinational child rape coverup and the establishment of a gulag of concentration camps
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
Republican Rep. Luna: “According to the files we saw, Ghislaine Maxwell was engaged in trafficking and rape of young women. Potentially children. I don’t think she deserves any special treatment. She’s a monster.”
(From @acyn.bsky.social )
(From @acyn.bsky.social )
February 10, 2026 at 5:42 AM
Republican Rep. Luna: “According to the files we saw, Ghislaine Maxwell was engaged in trafficking and rape of young women. Potentially children. I don’t think she deserves any special treatment. She’s a monster.”
(From @acyn.bsky.social )
(From @acyn.bsky.social )
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
Leslie Wexner is one of the 10 co-conspirators named by the FBI during the 2019 arrest of Epstein.
He gave Epstein millions of dollars and the $70 million NYC townhouse.
Leon Black gave Epstein over $170 million.
Both men are alive.
How come they've never been asked to testify?
He gave Epstein millions of dollars and the $70 million NYC townhouse.
Leon Black gave Epstein over $170 million.
Both men are alive.
How come they've never been asked to testify?
February 10, 2026 at 5:58 AM
Leslie Wexner is one of the 10 co-conspirators named by the FBI during the 2019 arrest of Epstein.
He gave Epstein millions of dollars and the $70 million NYC townhouse.
Leon Black gave Epstein over $170 million.
Both men are alive.
How come they've never been asked to testify?
He gave Epstein millions of dollars and the $70 million NYC townhouse.
Leon Black gave Epstein over $170 million.
Both men are alive.
How come they've never been asked to testify?
Jamie Raskin accuses DoJ of cover-up after viewing unredacted Epstein files www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Jamie Raskin accuses DoJ of cover-up after viewing unredacted Epstein files
Ranking member of House judiciary panel said ‘mysterious redactions’ in files obscured names of abusers
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:28 AM
Jamie Raskin accuses DoJ of cover-up after viewing unredacted Epstein files www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
Breaking: Trump told Palm Beach police chief 'everyone' knew about Epstein and 'evil' Maxwell www.miamiherald.com/news/politic...
Trump told Palm Beach police chief ‘everyone’ knew about Epstein, Maxwell was ‘evil’
The new information comes as Ghislaine Maxwell was summoned to appear Monday before a Congressional committee.
www.miamiherald.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:32 PM
Breaking: Trump told Palm Beach police chief 'everyone' knew about Epstein and 'evil' Maxwell www.miamiherald.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
Olympian Gus Kenworthy on MAGA lashing out at his criticism of the government:
"I just want to remind everyone that you can love the U.S. and be proud to be an American. I am...and still think it can be better. And I do not support ICE and I think it is absolutely evil and awful and terrifying."
"I just want to remind everyone that you can love the U.S. and be proud to be an American. I am...and still think it can be better. And I do not support ICE and I think it is absolutely evil and awful and terrifying."
February 9, 2026 at 10:50 PM
Olympian Gus Kenworthy on MAGA lashing out at his criticism of the government:
"I just want to remind everyone that you can love the U.S. and be proud to be an American. I am...and still think it can be better. And I do not support ICE and I think it is absolutely evil and awful and terrifying."
"I just want to remind everyone that you can love the U.S. and be proud to be an American. I am...and still think it can be better. And I do not support ICE and I think it is absolutely evil and awful and terrifying."
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
Rep. Khanna: “I believe that Lutnick at the very least needs to be brought before Congress. I think, based on the evidence, he should be out of the cabinet.”
February 9, 2026 at 10:52 PM
Rep. Khanna: “I believe that Lutnick at the very least needs to be brought before Congress. I think, based on the evidence, he should be out of the cabinet.”
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
Rep. Raskin: “Epstein’s lawyers quoted Trump as saying Jeffrey Epstein was not a member of Mar-a-Lago, but he was a guest at Mar-a-Lago, but had never been asked to leave. That was redacted for some indeterminate, inscrutable reason.”
February 9, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Rep. Raskin: “Epstein’s lawyers quoted Trump as saying Jeffrey Epstein was not a member of Mar-a-Lago, but he was a guest at Mar-a-Lago, but had never been asked to leave. That was redacted for some indeterminate, inscrutable reason.”
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
Ah drafts. How I kissed you.
February 9, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Ah drafts. How I kissed you.
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
From trans healthcare to abortion politics - the same actors keep appearing. On Thursday 5pm CET/11am EST we'll be live with @amnestyuk.bsky.social 's Chiara Capraro in Discord talking on their research tracing the political alliances shaping today’s anti-rights movement. discord.gg/bellingcat?e...
February 9, 2026 at 6:42 PM
From trans healthcare to abortion politics - the same actors keep appearing. On Thursday 5pm CET/11am EST we'll be live with @amnestyuk.bsky.social 's Chiara Capraro in Discord talking on their research tracing the political alliances shaping today’s anti-rights movement. discord.gg/bellingcat?e...
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
It was a most enjoyable and informative conversation. Thank you, Eliot
I joined @arusbridger.bsky.social and @lionelbarber.bsky.social to discuss my work and the work of Bellingcat, why I don't like Seymour Hersh, and getting verified information out quickly on the ICE shootings.
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/podcasts/med...
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/podcasts/med...
Bellingcat founder: ‘Playing whack-a-mole with disinformation is always going to fail’
Eliot Higgins discusses the future of investigative journalism with Alan and Lionel
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
February 9, 2026 at 7:18 PM
It was a most enjoyable and informative conversation. Thank you, Eliot
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
A dark day for accountability.
Ghislaine Maxwell refused to answer Congress’ questions about the men she helped traffic and abuse. And now her lawyers hint she’ll talk only if Donald Trump grants clemency.
Justice isn’t a transaction. Release the remaining Epstein files. No more secrets.
Ghislaine Maxwell refused to answer Congress’ questions about the men she helped traffic and abuse. And now her lawyers hint she’ll talk only if Donald Trump grants clemency.
Justice isn’t a transaction. Release the remaining Epstein files. No more secrets.
Ghislaine Maxwell pleads fifth: Read lawyer's statement to House Oversight
Ghislaine Maxwell pleaded the Fifth before the House Oversight Committee, with her attorney pointing to a pending habeas petition and trial concerns.
www.newsweek.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:58 PM
A dark day for accountability.
Ghislaine Maxwell refused to answer Congress’ questions about the men she helped traffic and abuse. And now her lawyers hint she’ll talk only if Donald Trump grants clemency.
Justice isn’t a transaction. Release the remaining Epstein files. No more secrets.
Ghislaine Maxwell refused to answer Congress’ questions about the men she helped traffic and abuse. And now her lawyers hint she’ll talk only if Donald Trump grants clemency.
Justice isn’t a transaction. Release the remaining Epstein files. No more secrets.
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
LONDON (AP) — Palace says King Charles III will support police who are assessing reports that ex-Prince Andrew gave files to Epstein.
February 9, 2026 at 6:23 PM
LONDON (AP) — Palace says King Charles III will support police who are assessing reports that ex-Prince Andrew gave files to Epstein.
Ofcom under fire after refusing to investigate ‘misleading’ GB News Trump interview
www.theguardian.com/media/2026/f...
www.theguardian.com/media/2026/f...
Ofcom under fire after refusing to investigate ‘misleading’ GB News Trump interview
US president not challenged over false claims climate change is ‘hoax’ and parts of London have sharia law
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Ofcom under fire after refusing to investigate ‘misleading’ GB News Trump interview
www.theguardian.com/media/2026/f...
www.theguardian.com/media/2026/f...
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
Our top story: Rehmet’s win was a 31-point swing from President Donald Trump’s victory there less than a year and a half ago—and a 37-point swing from the GOP incumbent’s margin in that district in 2022.
Does Taylor Rehmet’s Victory Foreshadow an Anti-MAGA Wave?
As the dust settles, Texas Dems and Republicans weigh the lessons from the shock upset in Senate District 9.
www.texasobserver.org
February 9, 2026 at 3:11 PM
Our top story: Rehmet’s win was a 31-point swing from President Donald Trump’s victory there less than a year and a half ago—and a 37-point swing from the GOP incumbent’s margin in that district in 2022.
I joined @arusbridger.bsky.social and @lionelbarber.bsky.social to discuss my work and the work of Bellingcat, why I don't like Seymour Hersh, and getting verified information out quickly on the ICE shootings.
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/podcasts/med...
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/podcasts/med...
Bellingcat founder: ‘Playing whack-a-mole with disinformation is always going to fail’
Eliot Higgins discusses the future of investigative journalism with Alan and Lionel
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
February 9, 2026 at 3:06 PM
I joined @arusbridger.bsky.social and @lionelbarber.bsky.social to discuss my work and the work of Bellingcat, why I don't like Seymour Hersh, and getting verified information out quickly on the ICE shootings.
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/podcasts/med...
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/podcasts/med...
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
Ah we're at the "cabinet ministers tweeting the same message of support" stage of the endgame.
February 9, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Ah we're at the "cabinet ministers tweeting the same message of support" stage of the endgame.
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
EXCL: Tim Allan, Keir Starmer’s director of communications, steps down from Downing Street role.
“I have decided to stand down to allow a new No 10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success,” he says.
“I have decided to stand down to allow a new No 10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success,” he says.
February 9, 2026 at 10:59 AM
EXCL: Tim Allan, Keir Starmer’s director of communications, steps down from Downing Street role.
“I have decided to stand down to allow a new No 10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success,” he says.
“I have decided to stand down to allow a new No 10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success,” he says.
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
Trump has imposed sanctions on 8 ICC judges and 3 prosecutors. “The sanctioned ICC staff,” Reuters noted, “now sit on the U.S. Treasury Department’s Specially Designated Nationals list, alongside suspected al Qaeda terrorists, Mexican drug traffickers and North Korean arms dealers.” wapo.st/3MsWi3c
Opinion | Trump has a strongman’s contempt for international law
The president’s indifference to domestic legal constraints is reflected in his actions outside the U.S.
wapo.st
February 9, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Trump has imposed sanctions on 8 ICC judges and 3 prosecutors. “The sanctioned ICC staff,” Reuters noted, “now sit on the U.S. Treasury Department’s Specially Designated Nationals list, alongside suspected al Qaeda terrorists, Mexican drug traffickers and North Korean arms dealers.” wapo.st/3MsWi3c
Reposted by Eliot Higgins
In this episode of Media Confidential, Alan Rusbridger and
@lionelbarber.bsky.social are joined by Eliot Higgins to discuss the growing importance of open-source investigation techniques to verify video in an age of misinformation
@lionelbarber.bsky.social are joined by Eliot Higgins to discuss the growing importance of open-source investigation techniques to verify video in an age of misinformation
Bellingcat founder: ‘Playing whack-a-mole with disinformation is always going to fail’
Eliot Higgins discusses the future of investigative journalism with Alan and Lionel
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
February 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In this episode of Media Confidential, Alan Rusbridger and
@lionelbarber.bsky.social are joined by Eliot Higgins to discuss the growing importance of open-source investigation techniques to verify video in an age of misinformation
@lionelbarber.bsky.social are joined by Eliot Higgins to discuss the growing importance of open-source investigation techniques to verify video in an age of misinformation