Category: Conspiracy Theories

Trump and his crazy conspiracy theories

Trump Lays the Groundwork for More Bogus Stolen Election Claims: ‘They Cheat’

 

Former President Donald Trump has begun laying the groundwork for future claims of a rigged election ahead of the upcoming November elections. Speaking at a rally in Walker, Michigan, Trump expressed doubts about a potential loss, asserting that any defeat would be due to widespread cheating, a claim he has made numerous times since the 2020 elections. He stated, “If we lose, the next time we’re gonna have the same group of people in Caracas, Venezuela because it’s much safer than any place in our country if she wins. Much safer,” referencing Vice President Kamala Harris and continuing his pattern of baseless allegations against immigrants and crime rates.

Trump’s assertion that he could only lose due to cheating resonates with his supporters, who have previously engaged in violent acts, such as the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021. His rhetoric at the rally reflects a longstanding narrative that he has pushed since 2016, where he claimed that illegal voting had deprived him of the popular vote victory. This pattern of rhetoric is critical to understanding Trump’s ongoing influence within the Republican Party and among his voter base.

As he continues to propagate these unfounded claims, Trump has also been encouraging law enforcement to be vigilant against alleged voter fraud. At another event, he urged police officers to monitor polling places, suggesting that their presence could intimidate potential fraud. This approach raises significant concerns about the implications for voter intimidation and the integrity of the electoral process.

Critics argue that Trump’s rhetoric not only undermines trust in democratic institutions but also poses a threat to public safety. The Attorney General of Michigan has initiated legal proceedings against individuals involved in a fake elector scheme stemming from the 2020 election, highlighting the ongoing repercussions of Trump’s claims and the organized efforts to challenge legitimate electoral outcomes.

In summary, Trump’s continued allegations about election fraud are not only a repeat of his past rhetoric but also serve to mobilize his base ahead of the upcoming elections. This strategy has far-reaching implications for the political landscape, as it fosters an environment of distrust and potential violence, reminiscent of the events that transpired on January 6, 2021. The responsibility lies not only with Trump but also with Republican leaders and media outlets, such as Fox News, that amplify these narratives without scrutiny.

 

Trump’s False Claims About Immigrants Eating Pets Spark Controversy During Debate

During a recent presidential debate, Donald Trump propagated a baseless and racially charged rumor regarding Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, claiming they were consuming pets. This statement, made in front of an audience of 67.1 million viewers, has been criticized for reinforcing harmful stereotypes. The rumor originated from fringe online communities, particularly from a neo-Nazi group known as Blood Tribe, which initially circulated the idea of pets being eaten in August. Trump’s comments were seemingly amplified by his running mate, Senator JD Vance, who has made similar claims about the influx of immigrants in the area.

Trump’s assertion was not only unfounded but also drew immediate backlash from various quarters, including his own party members. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham expressed concern, emphasizing that the focus should be on serious issues related to immigration, such as crimes committed by undocumented individuals, rather than whimsical claims about animals. This reflects a broader trend where Trump has consistently highlighted immigration issues, often framing them in a controversial manner.

The spread of the rumor on social media has been significant, with a notable increase in posts discussing the issue leading up to the debate. Research indicated that mentions of Haitians allegedly eating pets surged dramatically on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) in the days prior to Trump’s comments. Vance himself contributed to this narrative, posting about the supposed dangers posed by Haitian immigrants, which helped transition the rumor from fringe discourse to a mainstream debate topic.

Despite the sensationalism surrounding the issue, local law enforcement in Springfield reported no credible evidence supporting claims of pets being harmed. In fact, the claims about pets being abducted and eaten have been dismissed by the Springfield police, highlighting a disconnect between the online narrative and reality. Vance later acknowledged that these rumors could be false, yet continued to leverage them politically.

The incident underscores how fringe conspiracy theories can permeate high-profile political discourse, especially through the lens of social media. Trump’s use of this rumor during a prime-time debate illustrates a tactic of drawing attention to specific grievances that resonate with his base, despite their lack of factual basis. This approach is indicative of a broader strategy to mobilize support by highlighting perceived threats associated with immigration.

The debate echoed a long-standing pattern in Trump’s political career, where he has utilized inflammatory rhetoric regarding immigration, often to stoke fear and division among his supporters. Critics argue that such tactics detract from substantive discussions about immigration policy and public safety, instead prioritizing sensationalism and fear-mongering.

As the fallout continues, political analysts and commentators are left to ponder the implications of Trump’s comments and the role of misinformation in shaping public perception. This incident serves as a reminder of the potent intersection between social media, political rhetoric, and the dissemination of false information, particularly concerning immigration.

Ultimately, the Springfield rumor illustrates the challenges faced in combating misinformation and the potential consequences it holds for public discourse and policy discussions.

 

Trump’s Dangerous Lies: Kids Aren’t Having Transgender Surgeries in Schools

Former President Donald Trump has once again propagated the false narrative that children are undergoing transgender surgeries during school hours. In a recent rally, he made misleading claims that schools are facilitating surgical procedures for minors without parental consent, a narrative that has no basis in fact. This rhetoric not only misrepresents the reality of transgender healthcare but also contributes to the stigmatization of LGBTQ+ youth.

Trump’s statements reflect a broader trend among Republicans to misinform the public about transgender issues, often using sensationalized claims to rally support among their base. Medical professionals and credible organizations have refuted these claims, clarifying that gender-affirming surgeries, when appropriate, are typically not performed on minors and require extensive evaluation and parental involvement.

The former president’s comments come in the wake of his administration’s previous attempts to undermine LGBTQ+ rights, including a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military and proposals that would allow healthcare providers to refuse treatment based on gender identity. This pattern showcases a consistent effort to marginalize transgender individuals and restrict their access to necessary medical care.

Moreover, Trump’s rhetoric has serious implications. By spreading misinformation about transgender youth, he further endangers an already vulnerable population, which faces higher rates of mental health issues and discrimination. His statements not only distort the truth but also contribute to a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.

In conclusion, Trump’s repeated falsehoods about transgender surgeries in schools are a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and incite fear. It is crucial to challenge these lies and promote accurate information about transgender healthcare and rights to ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals.

(h/t: https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/trump-false-claims-schools-transgender-surgeries-rcna170217)

Trump’s Authoritarian Threats of Jail Time for Election ‘Cheaters’ Expose Dangerous Intentions

In a recent rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin, former President Donald Trump threatened severe legal repercussions for those he claims would ‘cheat’ in the upcoming election, promising long prison sentences for any perceived electoral misconduct. This alarming declaration reflects Trump’s persistent narrative of widespread voter fraud, a baseless assertion he has clung to since losing the 2020 election. Despite numerous court rulings and bipartisan affirmations of the election’s legitimacy, Trump continues to fuel doubts about electoral integrity, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation ahead of the November elections.

Trump’s warnings extend to various groups, including lawyers, political operatives, and election officials, indicating a willingness to wield his presidential power as a means of retribution against opponents. This strategy suggests an authoritarian approach to governance, where dissent is not tolerated, and political enemies are threatened with prosecution. Such tactics are reminiscent of despotic regimes, where the legal system is weaponized to suppress opposition.

At the same rally, Trump reiterated his claims of being targeted by the Biden administration, alleging that the Department of Justice is conspiring to imprison him for exposing their corruption. However, these claims lack any substantiation, with independent investigations and court rulings consistently refuting his narrative of victimization. Trump’s refusal to accept the outcome of the 2020 election and his ongoing legal troubles only serve to highlight his desperate attempts to maintain influence and evade accountability.

In a bid to distract from his legal issues and the impending debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump has resorted to incendiary rhetoric and nostalgic appeals to his 2016 campaign themes, such as ‘draining the swamp.’ Despite having occupied the presidency for four years, he continues to portray himself as an outsider fighting against a corrupt political establishment, which is disingenuous at best.

As the election approaches, Trump’s threats of retribution raise significant concerns about the integrity of American democracy. His willingness to use the power of the presidency to pursue vendettas against perceived enemies undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations. Harris campaign representatives have warned that a second Trump presidency would likely involve the politicization of the justice system, further eroding trust in democratic institutions.

(h/t: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/politics/trump-threatens-long-prison-sentences-for-those-who-cheat-in-the-election-if-he-wins)

One question both Republican job applicants and potential Trump jurors must answer

There is a prevalent question in both job interviews for Republican positions and potential jurors in Trump’s upcoming trials: ‘Do you believe the 2020 election was stolen?’ Job applicants in key states are being tested for loyalty to Trump, while prosecutors aim to assess juror impartiality. Trump’s first criminal trial, involving ‘hush money’ payments to Stormy Daniels, is set for April. The prosecution sees questioning jurors on the election as a way to gauge impartiality. Trump’s attorney disputes the need for the question, calling it irrelevant to the case. The former president faces 34 felony counts related to covering up an alleged affair with Daniels.

Trump New Ad Calls Him God’s Chosen One

Donald Trump’s new ad “God Made Trump” which he promoted on Truth Social reads like a biblical fanfic, casting Donald Trump as America’s divinely ordained hero battling wicked forces. Think a mashup of Adam’s creation (“God looked down…needed a caretaker. So God gave us Trump”) and Moses parting the Red Sea, only instead of Pharaoh, it’s “those darn Marxists.” This potent cocktail of biblical imagery and cult-like persuasion demands a closer look.

The ad employs the classic “Chosen One” trope, imbuing Trump with near-sacred authority. It invokes Genesis, framing his birth as God’s deliberate act, not a mere coincidence. References to John 10:11 paint him as a shepherd guiding his flock through perilous times, fostering a sense of dependence and unquestioning loyalty among supporters. This blurring of the lines between leader and divinely-ordained savior echoes the tactics of biblical cults, where charismatic figures wielded religious authority to control their followers.

But beneath the divine veneer lies a troubling “us vs. them” narrative. The ad paints a dystopian picture of America besieged by “Marxist vipers” and the “deep state serpent,” reminiscent of biblical battles between God’s chosen and their enemies. This stark division solidifies a sense of belonging and exclusivity within the Trump camp, but at the cost of silencing dissent and stifling critical thinking. This tactic mirrors the isolation and groupthink common in biblical cults, where members are encouraged to distrust outsiders and unquestioningly accept the leader’s pronouncements.

Remember, this ad is a masterclass in persuasive messaging, not a factual biography. Fact-checking reveals Trump’s “divine mandate” often translated to late-night tweets and Fox News marathons, not celestial guidance. His self-proclaimed messianic achievements demand nuanced analysis, not divinely-attributed magic. Ultimately, discerning voters, not divine intervention, are the architects of our democracy. Let’s keep faith in the pews and critical thinking in the voting booth. Just because the ad depicts Trump parting America’s political Red Sea doesn’t mean we should blindly follow him into the promised land.

“GOD MADE TRUMP”

“And on June 14th, 1946, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, I need a caretaker.

So God gave us Trump.

God said, I need somebody willing to get up before dawn, fix this country, work all day, fight the Marxists, eat supper, then go to the Oval Office and stay past midnight at a meeting of the heads of state.

So God made Trump.

I need somebody with arms, strong enough to rustle the deep state and yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild. Somebody to ruffle the feathers, tame cantankerous World Economic Forum, come home hungry, have to wait until the first lady is done with lunch with friends, then tell the ladies to be sure and come back real soon. And mean it.

So God gave us Trump.

I need somebody who can shape an axe but wield a sword, who had the courage to step foot in North Korea, who can make money from the tar of the sand, turn liquid to gold, who understands the difference between tariffs and inflation, will finish his 40-hour week by Tuesday noon, but then put in another 72 hours.

So God made Trump.

God had to have somebody willing to go into the den of vipers, call out the fake news for their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s, the poison of vipers is on their lips, and yet stop.

So God made Trump.

God said, I need somebody who will be strong and courageous, who will not be afraid or terrified of the wolves when they attack. A man who cares for the flock, a shepherd to mankind who won’t ever leave nor forsake them. I need the most diligent worker to follow the path and remain strong in faith and know the belief of God and country. Somebody who’s willing to drill, bring back manufacturing and American jobs, farm the lands, secure our borders, build our military, fight the system all day, and finish a hard week’s work by attending church on Sunday. And then his oldest son turns and says, dad, let’s make America great again. Dad, let’s build back a country to be the envy of the world again.

So God made Trump.”

(https://themessenger.com/politics/trump-shares-new-ad-god-made-trump?fbclid=IwAR2aj96th4RgWg2JzULV7rcIcYHw-qWoW8bD8ZPv1Dq263HsFUADvPxeGkc_aem_AQVJ7MCOyMt_egIStLZUg0F86qKW93UTLT49euVX3WYND024liJOo5weANX5TY8bJgM)

Trump Posts “The Great Replacement” Conspiracy Popular With Neo-Nazis

Former President Trump’s recent Truth Social post concerning immigration has drawn critical attention for echoing a dangerous and unfounded conspiracy theory – the “Great Replacement.” This theory, alleging a coordinated effort to replace white Americans with immigrants, has long been a cornerstone of white nationalist and far-right ideologies. Its presence in a mainstream political figure’s post demands careful analysis.

It’s becoming more and more obvious to me why the “Crazed” Democrats are allowing millions and millions of totally unvetted migrants into our once great Country. IT’S SO THEY CAN VOTE, VOTE, VOTE. They are signing them up at a rapid pace, without even knowing who the hell they are. It all makes sense now. Republicans better wake up and do something, before it is too late. Are you listening Mitch McConnell?

https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/111667694816747840

While concerns about immigration trends and their potential impact on society are legitimate topics for discussion,Trump’s post utilizes inflammatory language and unsubstantiated claims. The assertion that millions of immigrants are being deliberately “unvetted” and signed up to vote solely for partisan gain fuels xenophobia and undermines trust in democratic processes. This narrative conveniently omits the complex web of economic, social, and political factors driving immigration patterns, instead choosing to paint a picture of nefarious outsiders infiltrating American society.

Trump’s post echoes disturbing historical rhetoric with its coded language and divisive framing. Phrases like “millions and millions” and “totally unvetted” bear striking resemblance to slogans chanted by white supremacist groups like those who marched in Charlottesville. Their hateful chants targeting Jewish communities openly invoked the “Great Replacement” theory, highlighting its dangerous potential to incite real-world violence and discrimination.

Dismissing such language as mere political rhetoric carries significant risks. Normalizing these narratives, even unintentionally, emboldens extremist groups and provides validation for their hateful ideologies. It has the potential to further erode social cohesion, fuel animosity towards immigrants and minorities, and ultimately weaken the fabric of American society.

Instead of indulging in fear-mongering and unsubstantiated claims, responsible political discourse should prioritize facts and evidence-based solutions. By addressing legitimate concerns about immigration while rejecting harmful stereotypes and conspiratorial narratives, we can foster a more informed and inclusive national conversation. Let’s focus on building a stronger nation where all members feel welcome and contribute to its shared future, rather than succumbing to the shadows of hate and division.

Trump’s Fossil Fuel Fanaticism Threatens Climate Progress and Public Health

Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House paints a grim picture for the future of our planet and the health of its inhabitants. Advisers close to the former president confirmed plans to dismantle Biden’s landmark climate legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), in favor of policies that would “maximize fossil fuel production.” This blatant disregard for scientific evidence and the well-being of future generations is nothing short of reckless and dangerous.

The scientific consensus is undeniable: human activity is driving climate change, with devastating consequences already unfolding worldwide. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and mass extinctions are just a few of the repercussions we face if we fail to act decisively. Yet, Trump’s proposed policies cater solely to the interests of his oil industry donors,prioritizing short-term profits over the long-term survival of our planet.

Gutting the IRA would cripple America’s progress towards a clean energy future. This legislation represents a crucial step in curbing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Trump’s proposed cuts would not only jeopardize these advancements but also send a chilling message about America’s commitment to combating climate change.

The health impacts of continued fossil fuel dependence are equally alarming. Air pollution from burning coal, oil, and gas contributes to millions of respiratory illnesses and deaths each year. Trump’s policies would exacerbate these problems,disproportionately harming vulnerable communities already burdened by environmental injustices.

In conclusion, Donald Trump’s climate denial and fossil fuel obsession pose a dire threat to our planet and its inhabitants.His proposed policies prioritize corporate greed over scientific facts and public health, jeopardizing the progress made under the IRA and putting the future of our planet at stake. We must stand united against this dangerous agenda and demand leaders who prioritize science, reason, and the well-being of all over the interests of a select few. The future of our planet and the health of our communities depend on it.

h/t: https://www.ft.com/content/ed4b352b-5c06-4f8d-9df7-1b1f9fecb269?segmentID=dc0a9f57-51f8-2c48-3cb3-4b42eb8c679c

Shannon Bream’s Steele Dossier Defense for Biden Allegations

Skip to main content Manage SubscriptionLogin! subscribe Politics TV Interviews Entertainment Sports Podcasts Opinion UK Mediaite+ Mediaite Manage SubscriptionLogin! subscribe Politics TV Interviews Entertainment Sports Podcasts Opinion UK Mediaite+ Appeals Court Upholds Gag Order on Trump – But Allows Him To Criticize Jack Smith GOP Mega-Donor Slams ‘Disgraceful’ Last Months of Trump’s Presidency While Endorsing Haley on Fox News ‘I Am A Really Bad Person’: Michigan School Shooter Addresses Court Before Sentencing Elon Musk Trying to Get Disney Chief Bob Iger Fired After DealBook Disaster White House Dumps Council on American-Islamic Relations from Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia Materials Fox’s Shannon Bream Cites Debunked Steele Dossier as Republican Defense for Using Unverified Allegations Against Biden Colby HallJul 21st, 2023, 9:08 am Twitter share button Heretofore, we shall call this the “Steele Dossier” defense against using unverified allegations to smear a political opponent, and while Fox News anchor Shannon Bream does not get credit for coming up with it, she did cite it during a Thursday hit on Special Report. At issue is an internal document recently released by Senator Chuck Grassley that had not been made public because the FBI could not verify the information included. The specific document is a FD-1023s, and contains allegations that Ukrainian energy company, Burisma, hired Hunter Biden as a means of protecting the company through his father, then-Vice President Joe Biden. The document contains descriptions of second-hand discussions of payments made to the Biden family. According to the FBI, all information in FD-1023s include “raw, unverified reporting from confidential human sources.” To wit: FD-1023s merely document that information; they do not reflect the conclusions of investigators based on a fuller context or understanding. Recording this information does not validate it, establish its credibility, or weigh it against other information known or developed by the FBI in our investigations. As former Attorney General Bill Barr stated, the Department of Justice investigated these claims and, ostensibly, could not find any merit to the allegations. Again, this was under the Trump administration. Cut to Thursday night, Fox News guest anchor Gillian Turner noted that Democrats are claiming that “Republicans have now had years, three years to investigate this. And at this point, they’ve not come up with a smoking gun.” Bream replied, “Republicans will say, well, let people read this and see what they think it is. And now we need to know whether this DOJ, which, by the way, has all of this percolating against the backdrop of, we think, former President Trump about to be indicted again and potentially on another round of federal charges, whether they’re treating all political families the same way.” She then introduced a clip of Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin saying: The Republicans on the Oversight Committee have been on a wild goose chase since we began. They’ve basically been trying to rehabilitate and revive the completely debunked and discredited charges that Rudy Giuliani began with several years ago about the Bidens being involved in corruption in Ukraine. And nothing has ever come of that. “So he continues to link this to Rudy Giuliani; Bill Barr says there was no link,” Bream followed. “There’s nothing in this document that mentions his name. But again, as he talks about unverified allegations, Republicans say what was the Steele Dossier?” There are clear parallels here – the Steele Dossier contained outlandish and unverified information and fueled speculation surrounding the Trump campaign’s coordination with Russian intel officers. Fox News has long used the media’s eager coverage of the unverified Steele Dossier as evidence of bias against Trump. And if the argument is that the unverified allegations against Biden are effectively the same thing, what does that say about our media’s ever shifting journalistic standards? Watch above via Fox News. Have a tip we should know? [email protected] Filed Under: Hunter BidenJoe BidenShannon BreamSteele dossier Previous PostNext Post Previous PostNext Post Colby Hall – Founding Editor Colby Hall is the Founding Editor of Mediaite.com. He is also a Peabody Award-winning television producer of non-fiction narrative programming as well as a terrific dancer and preparer of grilled meats. More Stories by Colby Hall Load Comments Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Tips Have a tip or story idea? Email us. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. Most Popular ‘We Heard Him With Our Own Ears!’ CNN’s Dana Bash Stunned By Trump Rival’s Claim Cops Incited Jan. 6 Rioters ‘I Have No Evidence But—’ NBC’s Chuck Todd Floats Trump Collusion With Debate Attack Dog Ramaswamy ‘I Was Shaking Listening to Him’: Van Jones Says Vivek Ramaswamy’s Debate Remarks ‘One Step Away From Nazi Propaganda’ ‘Pathetic and Disgusting’: McGovern Slams Marjorie Taylor Greene, Says ‘It’s Really Rich to Get a Lecture on Civility’ From Her Hot Mic Catches Megyn Kelly’s Post-Debate Panel Mocking Ron DeSantis’s Expression: ‘Looked Like You Shot His Dog’ You may also like: ‘Very Important Point!’ CNN Says Hunter Biden Charges Not Connected To President Biden — Don’t Help Impeachment Tommy ChristopherDec 8th, 2023, 8:30 am JUST IN: CNN Airs ‘Disgusting’ Footage of Israeli Soldiers Holding Blindfolded Men Stripped to Underwear in Gaza Colby HallDec 8th, 2023, 7:52 am Jamaal Bowman Rips Mike Lawler For ‘Speaking Like an Expert’ on the Border, West Bank Despite Having Never Visited: ‘I’ve Been!’ Charlie NashDec 8th, 2023, 6:50 am ‘He Was Pissed Off’: Megyn Kelly Reveals What Chris Christie Complained About During Debate Commercial Break Charlie NashDec 7th, 2023, 10:02 pm Hunter Biden Hit With 9 New Federal Charges Charlie NashDec 7th, 2023, 8:50 pm Fox News Correspondent Jennifer Griffin Fact-Checks Tucker Carlson’s Wild Claim About Biden Administration: ‘100% Not True’ Charlie NashDec 7th, 2023, 8:14 pm © 2023 Mediaite, LLC About Us Advertise Privacy Accessibility User Agreement Ethics & Diversity Policy Contact

Fox News says it’s okay to investigate man-not-in-government Hunter Biden with completely unverified allegations and unreliable sources because of the Steele Dossier, and it’s okay to go tit-for-tat.

One problem, those two are not the same. All of the crazy Hunter Biden allegations that have *already* been looked at by Bill Barr’s DOJ and found to be bunk, Lev Parnas who Rudy Giuliani tasked to lead the Hunter Biden investigation in Ukraine testified this was all bunk, and when the Steele Dossier was leaked it was not yet investigated but still raw intelligence, some of which turned out to be true.

[https://www.mediaite.com/tv/foxs-shannon-bream-cites-debunked-steele-dossier-as-republican-defense-for-using-unverified-allegations-against-biden/]

Trump Promotes ‘Sound of Freedom,’ a Conservative Hit About Child Trafficking – The New York Times

Skip to contentSkip to site index Politics Today’s Paper Politics|Trump Promotes ‘Sound of Freedom,’ a Conservative Hit About Child Predators https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/us/politics/trump-sound-of-freedom.html Share full article AdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENT Supported bySKIP ADVERTISEMENT Trump Promotes ‘Sound of Freedom,’ a Conservative Hit About Child Predators Hosting a screening at his private club, the former president is the most prominent Republican to embrace a film lauded by both mainstream conservatives and far-right QAnon believers. Share full article Based on real-life events, “The Sound of Freedom” stars Jim Caviezel as Tim Ballard, a former federal agent who sought to rescue South American children from sex traffickers.Credit…Angel Studios By Anjali Huynh July 19, 2023 Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina called it an “amazing, gut-wrenching, emotional movie.” “Wow. Wow. Wow,” Senator Ted Cruz of Texas wrote of the film, urging supporters to see it. And on Wednesday, former President Donald J. Trump hosted an event featuring a screening of the movie, “Sound of Freedom,” at his private club in New Jersey, the most striking sign yet of how the unlikely box-office hit has captured the imagination of American conservatives. The movie, released July 4, was the second most-watched film in North America last weekend, behind “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning,” and has made $90.7 million as of Monday, according to data from Comscore. Based on real-life events, the movie stars Jim Caviezel as Tim Ballard, a former federal agent who sought to rescue South American children from sex traffickers. Its themes have resonated with a wide range of conservatives, including mainstream Republicans who have focused heavily on education and other children’s issues, evangelicals who have responded to the movie’s religious overtones, and far-right QAnon believers who have for years spread alarmist fears of child endangerment. The plot never directly invokes QAnon, the wide-ranging, pro-Trump conspiracy theory that falsely accuses leading Democrats of orchestrating a pedophilia ring, but the movement’s supporters have embraced the film. And Mr. Caviezel himself has promoted baseless QAnon theories. Appearing on Stephen Bannon’s podcast before the movie’s release, he commented that “there is a big storm coming,” a QAnon slogan. In 2021, he spoke at a QAnon convention. Image Mr. Caviezel in the film, which has been embraced by supporters of the QAnon conspiracy theory movement.Credit…Angel Studios The movie’s endorsement from presidential candidates echoes grass-roots energy around what Sarah Longwell, a Republican strategist, called the “mainstreaming of the center of the QAnon movement, which is that this is about protecting children.” In focus groups, Ms. Longwell said, Republican voters have brought up QAnon less explicitly than in the past and more frequently express concerns about schools “indoctrinating children” and transgender athletes competing in sports. A spokesman for Angel Studios, the company that produced the film, did not respond to a request for comment. Efforts to reach Mr. Caviezel were unsuccessful, but on Wednesday, he responded to critical coverage of the movie. Appearing on a conservative podcast, he repeated a quotation from the movie that refers to a Bible verse: “Better a millstone be hung around their necks that they be cast into the sea that they should ever hurt one of these little ones,” he said. Both Mr. Caviezel and Mr. Ballard attended the screening on Wednesday at Mr. Trump’s club. Experts on misinformation expressed misgivings about the movie’s message. “I do think that human trafficking is real and child trafficking is real and these are real problems,” said Kathryn Olmsted, a professor of history at the University of California, Davis, who has studied the role of conspiracy theories in American politics. “It’s just that this renewed, highly politicized focus on it is emblematic of increasing political polarization in our society.” The man at the center of “Sound of Freedom,” Mr. Ballard, is a former Department of Homeland Security agent who founded an anti-trafficking group and was appointed by Mr. Trump to a federal advisory panel on human trafficking. He has been accused of exaggerating his exploits. The movie depicts Mr. Ballard setting out to rescue two siblings who were sold by sex traffickers; he ultimately saves dozens of children. Daniela Peterka-Benton, the academic director for the Global Center of Human Trafficking at Montclair State University, said the movie’s focus on saviors rather than victims resulted in an incomplete, glamorized depiction of human trafficking. Most children, she said, are not “snatched away” but are trafficked by people they know. “It does a disservice to the victims; it does a disservice to people really fighting to end human trafficking and to provide services to survivors,” she said. “There’s so much more to it than just the rescue.” Nevertheless, politicians, commentators and Hollywood celebrities have praised the film. Ivanka Trump, Mr. Trump’s daughter, who has largely stayed out of politics since the 2020 election, promoted the film in June, writing on Twitter that it “sheds light on the harrowing reality” of human trafficking. Republicans — many of whom were far less worried about the Trump administration’s separation of migrant children from their parents — have also seized on the issue. Last week, Senate Republicans’ official Twitter account shared a video that pointed to New York Times reporting about migrant children forced to work dangerous jobs across the United States. The post misleadingly accused President Biden of having “created the largest child trafficking ring in U.S. history.” In liberal Manhattan, “Sound of Freedom” viewers at several theaters said they had come not for the politics, but because they wanted to see a good thriller. “I came because I believe that there’s child trafficking going on and there’s just not enough light being shed on it,” said Malaika Villamizar, 19. She was surprised to hear, however, that the movie had been promoted by Mr. Trump and other Republican politicians. She said she had heard about the film on TikTok. Anjali Huynh covers politics for The Times. More about Anjali Huynh A version of this article appears in print on , Section A, Page 22 of the New York edition with the headline: Trump Screens ‘Sound of Freedom,’ A Film Popular With Conservatives. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe Share full article AdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENT Site Index Site Information Navigation © 2023 The New York Times Company NYTCo Contact Us Accessibility Work with us Advertise T Brand Studio Your Ad Choices Privacy Policy Terms of Service Terms of Sale Site Map Canada International Help Subscriptions Manage Privacy Preferences

The Republican Party continues its march into extremism as the front runner for the presidency, @[100044274887410:2048:Donald J. Trump], hosts a private screening of “Sound of Freedom”, a QAnon film being marketed directly to conservatives.

QAnon, an insane conspiracy theory that a random dude on 4chan troll board has a secret clearance nobody has heard of and has been posting for years that any day now a secret cabal of Democrats, Hollywood elites, and Jews will be exposed as belonging to a global child sex trafficking ring to harvest their blood to stay young with Donald Trump as the only person who can stop them, has been incorporated directly into the Trump campaign since 2019 and has been central to Republican political ideology for years.

The film has been a massive success among the target audience of the easily manipulated Trump supporters and has grossed about as much as the new Indiana Jones movie.

[https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/us/politics/trump-sound-of-freedom.html]

1 … 6 7 8 9 10 … 52