Trump told Americans to ‘do their own research’. Now they think the attacks on him are staged
Following a reported assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, conspiracy theories alleging the attack was staged have surged online, fueled by Trump’s long-standing encouragement of skepticism toward mainstream media. Some supporters now claim the 2024 Butler shooting was faked or that Trump is the Antichrist, reflecting a broader erosion of trust in institutions. Once a promoter of conspiracy theories, Trump is now their target, as former allies and far-right figures propagate narratives questioning his authenticity. This shift underscores the destabilizing impact of disinformation on political discourse and public belief.
- ▪Conspiracy theories claiming the 2024 Butler assassination attempt was staged have gained traction, amplified by figures like Tucker Carlson and Joe Kent.
- ▪Some far-right figures and MAGA supporters now suggest Donald Trump is the Antichrist, citing biblical prophecy and his AI-generated image as Jesus.
- ▪Trump has a history of promoting conspiracy theories, including the 'Big Lie' about the 2020 election and birtherism, which have fueled political violence and distrust.
- ▪His second-term appointments included known conspiracy theorists, such as RFK Jr. and QAnon supporter Kash Patel, embedding such ideologies in government.
- ▪Online use of the term 'staged' surged to over 300,000 posts across platforms after the latest alleged attack, indicating widespread skepticism among his base.
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