Russian propaganda is peddling a new image of the US and Trump — IMI study

Following Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election, Russian propagandists changed their rhetoric around the United States. According to IMI researchers, the propagandists’ messaging has become more neutral and news about the US and Trump is presented with much more caution than before, as evidenced by the March 2025 study by the Institute of Mass Information.

IMI experts also note that Russian propaganda has changed tactics: from harsh anti-American rhetoric to selectively creating a positive image of the US, which is consistent with the Kremlin’s geopolitical interests.

“Russian propagandists have not yet settled on how they will continue to partner with the US, so they are presenting the audience with a completely new image of the US. So far, they are not attacking Trump; on the contrary, they are carefully building the image of a 'wise leader,' leaving room for criticism if his policies do not meet the Kremlin's interests. The propagandists have already laid down the foundation for two scenarios: Trump will either become a 'friend of Russia,' or, if he does not meet expectations, he will quickly be declared another 'enemy,'" comments IMI media analyst Yana Mashkova.

IMI analysts observe that as of now, in addition to smearing the Biden team, propagandists are generating content portraying the new US administration as favorable to Russia, one that is supposedly the first to initiate partnership and maintain a “warm relationship.”

The study analyzes content from the following Russian propaganda outlets, released in February and the first week of March 2025: Komsomolskaya Pravda, Izvestia, RIA Novosti, RBK, Lenta.Ru, Argumenty i Fakty, Moskovskiy Komsomolets, Gazeta.Ru, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, URA.Ru, TASS, RT in Russian, NEWS.ru, news-kiev.ru.