RNC Convention Hijacked by Satirical Website Redirecting to Epstein Files
The Republican National Committee's (RNC) much-hyped midterm convention in Dallas has been overshadowed by an embarrassing internet mishap. A look-alike website, gopdallas2026.com, had been appearing prominently in Google search results for GOP convention-related terms. The site was designed to resemble the official convention hub and offered information on registration, VIP experiences, and other event details.
However, clicking on the link sent visitors directly to the Department of Justice's (DOJ) online Epstein library instead of the actual convention website. The original version of the site has been taken down, but the redirect to the DOJ's library remains online.
The website was not affiliated with the RNC or the convention and was registered on July 7 through GoDaddy. It had been online since at least July and was still presenting itself as a convention information resource earlier this week. The site's disclaimer identifying it as an independent site appeared in small print, while the rest of the page was designed to resemble an official convention hub.
The creator of the website appears to be TaskForce, a cultural strategy and marketing agency that has worked with several high-profile clients, including Rock the Vote and Amnesty International. The founder of TaskForce, Yosi Sergant, took credit for the stunt in a text to the New York Times, saying 'We made you look.' He claimed that satire is an important art form to draw attention to important issues.
The RNC has been criticized for the extra cost and timing of the convention, which some Republicans are grumbling about. The event will take place on September 9 and 10 in Dallas and is expected to draw around 20,000 people, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.