Weekly civic intelligence report · v2.2
Senator Ted Cruz made unsubstantiated claims that China is funding US climate lawsuits, spreading a conspiracy theory without evidence. This represents a disinformation campaign by a sitting senator.
A-score (9.88): Senator Cruz's evidence-free claim represents information operation with modest constitutional impact. Election interference (1.5) for foreign influence narrative without evidence. Rule of law (2.0) for undermining judicial legitimacy of climate lawsuits. Civil rights (1.0) for chilling effect on environmental litigation. Corruption (1.5) for potential coordination with fossil fuel interests. Information operation mechanism adds 15% modifier. Federal scope adds 10%. Severity reduced (0.9/0.95/0.85) as single statement, easily debunked, limited precedent. B-score (35.56): Layer 1 (26.5/55%): High outrage (7) - China funding conspiracy hits partisan buttons. Strong media friendliness (8) - simple narrative, prominent senator. Good meme-ability (6) - 'China controls climate lawsuits'. Moderate novelty (5) - familiar foreign interference frame. Layer 2 (29.0/45%): Strong mismatch (8) - diverts from climate science to conspiracy. Pattern match (8) - classic deflection from environmental accountability. Narrative pivot (7) - shifts from fossil fuel liability to foreign threat. Intentionality (11/15 = 73% modulation): Clear strategic disinformation serving fossil fuel industry interests while undermining climate litigation. D-score: -25.68. List B classification: B>=25 AND D<=-10. This is strategic distraction from climate accountability using evidence-free foreign threat narrative.
Track: Monitor if Cruz provides evidence or retracts claim. Document fossil fuel industry connections and coordination. Watch for amplification by other officials or media outlets. Counter-narrative: Demand evidence, highlight transparency of climate litigation funding, expose pattern of deflection from climate accountability.