How Conspiracy Theories Took Hold of America
Pandemic disruption and the government’s history of secrecy and deception helped propel characters like Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to prominence.
A monster of our creation?
Photographer: Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Millions of Americans believe that invisible entities are driving the country’s politics — shadowy deep-state actors that are allegedly controlling events, hiding toxins in our food and water, and peddling dangerous — even deadly — vaccines. These conspiracy theories have helped propel people like Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to prominence with their promises to provide transparency and save us from these threats.
Polling data indeed shows that 41% of Americans believe the deep state exists; more than half — 54% — suspect multiple actors were involved in the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963.