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ANalysis: What is QAnon?

Enigmatic consipracy theory remains hot topic online

Editor Tyler Bagent

A poll taken by YouGov in October of 2020 showed that half of President Donald Trump’s supporters believe that top Democratic politicians and donors are involved in a child-sex trafficking scheme. A poll by ‘Hope Not Hate’ showed that one in ten Americans identify themselves as QAnon. A question remains: what is it?

Wikipedia describes QAnon as “a far-right conspiracy theory” and that “it alleges that a cabal of Satan-worshiping pedophiles is running a global child sex-trafficking ring and plotting against US President Donald Trump, who is battling against the cabal.” They receive their information from a 4Chan poster known as ‘Q,’ and have spread his theories on Facebook and other social media platforms. Some of the group’s theories have claimed that JFK Jr. would replace Mike Pence on the 2020 ticket, that Donald Trump is planning a mass arrest of Hollywood celebrities and Democratic politicians, and that drinking bleach is a cure for COVID-19. QAnon has sparked crimes across the nation, including several people who have assaulted those they believed to be sex-trafficking pedophiles.

Several 2020 Republican Candidates have shown previous support of QAnon, including at least 4 that have made it to the final ballot. Oregon Senate Nominee Jo Rae Perkins has posted videos claiming that “[she] stands with Q.” Delaware Senate Nominee Lauren Witzke has been seen wearing Q gear, and claiming her opponent is a "Christian-hating baby-killer.” Witzke has declared herself a “flat-earther.” Another candidate, Marjorie Taylor Greene, has said that “There's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take this global cabal of Satan-worshiping pedophiles out, and I think we have the president to do it." Trump endorsed her the day after she won her primary.

QAnon looks as if it won’t go away anytime soon, and is sure to ramp up as we get closer to the election. It has spread conspiracy theories about voter fraud and mail-in ballots, leading some to burning ballots. As misinformation spreads on Facebook, these theories are nearly guaranteed to begin gaining traction once again.