Conspiracy theories about 9/11 gain traction in US political discourse
Social media and distrust of government have helped conspiracy theories about the September 11 attacks reach increasingly large audiences. Experts say these theories have become part of mainstream political culture since 2016. The analysis explores how disinformation has spread.
The article notes that suspicion of government has deep roots, citing the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy as an earlier catalyst for widespread doubt. Since the term "post-truth" gained prominence in 2016, such theories have increasingly intersected with mainstream politics, including false claims about the 2020 election that preceded the Capitol riot.
A recent iteration alleges Israeli involvement in the attacks, merging older narratives with contemporary anger over the Gaza conflict and perceived Israeli influence in Washington. The live televised nature of the 2001 attacks, followed by two subsequent wars, has further entrenched public mistrust, according to experts.
The mainstreaming of these theories could further erode public trust in democratic institutions and traditional media, potentially deepening political polarization. Audiences may become more susceptible to disinformation, which could influence electoral behavior and policy debates. As these narratives are exploited by political figures, they may also heighten social tensions and occasionally incite real-world unrest, affecting both domestic stability and international perceptions of the United States.