QAnon

QAnon is a loosely connected movement and set of conspiracy theories that began in 2017 on anonymous online forums, notably 4chan and later 8chan/8kun, centered on posts by an anonymous figure or group known as "Q" who claimed to possess high-level government clearance. Followers maintain that a hidden cabal of powerful elites runs a global child trafficking ring and that Donald Trump was secretly working to dismantle it. They anticipate an imminent upheaval in an event called "The Storm," during which mass arrests would expose and purge the supposed cabal.

Core beliefs include the existence of a secret war between Trump and the deep state, the interpretation of cryptic "Q drops," and the idea of a coming mass awakening. Some adherents connect QAnon to broader anti-government, anti-media, and anti-establishment sentiments and have used memes to spread their narratives. The movement does not have a single spokesperson or formal leadership; instead, it spreads through social media networks and messaging apps, with local groups and individuals sometimes involved in protests or political activities. Some adherents have run for office or been associated with campaigns.

Responses to QAnon have varied but largely center on skepticism and condemnation from mainstream outlets and authorities. The movement has been widely covered in the media, and many platforms have removed or restricted QAnon-related content and accounts after episodes of real-world violence, including the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The movement is often described as a prominent example of modern conspiracy theory culture, with researchers noting its decentralized, meme-driven, and adaptable nature and its capacity to influence political discourse in some contexts.