From the Salem witch trials to the 21st century, conspiracy theories have been common in American history. Presidents have used conspiracy theories in numerous ways during their campaigns to build loyalty, resonate with voters, and undermine opponents. There are many issues with these frightful theories, such as giving the public misinformation about current events, how the conspiracy theories are going to be incorporated into the presidency and how these theories can create a gray area between fact and fraud.
Former President Barack Obama experienced the consequences of a conspiracy theory firsthand. In 2008, his opponents promoted conspiracy theories which questioned whether Obama was born in America. This misinformation planted the seed of doubt needed to shock the opposition to prevent his election. In 2016, 72 percent of the Republicans still doubted Obama’s citizenship. The problem with these theories is that once they are out, it is hard to convince people otherwise.
Now, once again in the current presidential election, Trump is pedaling more conspiracy theories designed to smear his opponent Kamala Harris. In the presidential debate, Trump falsely made the accusation that Haitians were eating pets in Springfield, Ohio and linked it to an immigration issue that Harris would only exacerbate with her policies. “While I cannot vote in this upcoming election, I will say for any future elections I can vote in; I am highly suspicious of any candidates utilizing conspiracy theories, and I am unlikely to be confident in whoever that is,” says August Marks ‘25.
Most recently, the notorious conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer has been following Trump around and promoting his campaigns as well as his famous Haitian claim. The strategies that Trump has used highlight how conspiracy theories can be a powerful tool to shape the perception of a presidential candidate and how they can impact the image of America.
