The election of Donald Trump marks not only a Republican victory, but also, and above all, a resounding victory for conspiracy. Led by influential figures such as Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn and Alex Jones, this movement rejoices in the return of Trump and harbors worrying ambitions for revenge. What are the implications of this triumph of conspiracism for the future of American democracy and beyond?
From the evening of the election, the tone was set by Steve Bannon, emblematic figure of Trumpism, who promised merciless punishment to the “enemies within”. This violent rhetoric, which echoes the darkest hours of history, is part of a conspiratorial discourse which is corrupting part of America. The idea of a “Deep State”, of an occult cabal which would manipulate institutions, has thus become a founding myth of the Trumpian movement, fueling a climate of fear and suspicion.
Donald Trump’s victory is also that of an alternative media ecosystem, dominated by podcasts and online shows that relentlessly relay the craziest conspiracy theories. Personalities like Joe Rogan, Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson, who have millions of subscribers, help to spread a discourse that is anti-system, anti-science and deeply hostile to democratic institutions. Their influence, which is not limited to the United States, represents a threat to democracy on a global scale.
The coming to power of Donald Trump is accompanied by a worrying normalization of conspiracy. Rudy Reichstadt thus underlines that one can now be elected president of the United States not only despite, but also thanks to fake news and conspiracy theories. This trivialization of lies and manipulation represents a major danger for social cohesion and political stability. Tristan Mendès France is concerned, for his part, about the possible emergence of a new conspiracy movement, even more radical than the QAnon movement, which could arise from this second mandate. The jubilation of the complosphere, the exaltation of its leading figures and the verbal violence which characterizes their speeches make us fear the worst for the future.
“Donald Trump, the return of conspiracy to the White House”, is the 76th episode of Complorama with Rudy Reichstadt, director of Conspiracy Watch, and Tristan Mendès France, lecturer and member of the conspiracy observatory, specialist in digital cultures. A podcast to be found on the franceinfo website, the Radio France application and several other platforms such as Apple podcasts, Podcast Addict, Spotify, or Deezer.
