By Dave Van Zandt
In the aftermath of a shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, PA, on July 13, 2024, social media platforms were inundated with conspiracy theories from liberal users. Theories ranged from claims that the blood on Donald Trump’s ear was theatrical to suggestions that the event was a “false flag” operation staged by the Secret Service and the Trump campaign. This wave of conspiracies has been dubbed “BlueAnon,” a play on the right-wing QAnon conspiracy theory.
BlueAnon represents a growing phenomenon where liberals engage in conspiracy theories, mirroring the behavior they criticize in right-wing circles. Theories were fueled by Dmitri Mehlhorn, a political adviser to Democratic donor Reid Hoffman, who suggested in an email that the shooting might have been staged to benefit Trump. Mehlhorn later apologized, but the damage was done.
Social media buzzed with posts suggesting the iconic photo of Trump raising his fist under an American flag was staged. One user questioned the authenticity of the scene, asking, “When did the Secret Service start allowing the President under duress to tell them ‘to wait,’ then stand up to be seen by the crowd fist-pumping?” Such posts received thousands of likes and views.
The rise of BlueAnon is not limited to the Trump rally incident. It has roots in earlier events, such as President Biden’s poor debate performance in June. Conspiracy theories emerged, suggesting Russian disinformation and media manipulation. Left-wing influencers suggested that CNN had deliberately framed Biden badly or manipulated his microphone levels.
This left-wing strand of conspiratorial thinking reflects a broader trend where people reject developments that challenge their worldview. Mike Rothschild, author of “The Storm Is Upon Us: How QAnon Became a Movement, Cult, and Conspiracy Theory of Everything,” noted that the good-versus-evil paradigm of QAnon has taken hold of the anti-Trump movement, with both sides feeling they are fighting a battle between good and evil.
Experts note that heightened conspiracism is becoming common across the political spectrum. Imran Ahmed, founder of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, stated, “Conspiracy theories provide an easy story people can tell themselves that gives them a reason not to engage with reality as it is.” This hyperpartisan environment and low public trust in the media facilitate the spread of such theories.
While platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok have taken steps to counter QAnon content, combating BlueAnon may prove equally challenging. Despite some attempts to backtrack as more details emerged about the Trump rally shooting, the belief in these conspiracies remains strong among certain liberal circles.
The rise of BlueAnon points to a troubling trend in which both political parties in the U.S. increasingly turn to conspiratorial thinking. This reflects deep divisions and a profound mistrust of mainstream institutions. Addressing the root causes of such conspiracies will be crucial in fostering a more informed and united public as the political landscape grows more polarized.
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