The Truth is Out There…and It’s Trending: Conspiracy Culture Across American History

The Salem Witch Trials. MK Ultra. JFK was assassinated by government operatives. The moon landing was staged. 9/11 was an inside job. COVID was a plandemic. Trump won 2020. Jeffrey Epstein didn’t kill himself. Birds aren’t real. PizzaGate. QAnon. Climate change.

America has always had “conspiracy theories” – but how did they move from the margins of our democracy to the center of power? Where is the line between investigating corruption and buying into conspiracies – and who gets to draw it? From early rumor campaigns to viral 4chan posts, what is the role of misinformation in American culture and how has it shaped our contemporary politics?

Featuring Brace Belden, co-host of TrueAnon podcast, Christopher Fee, Professor of English at Gettysburg College and Elise Wang, assistant professor at Cal State Fullerton and researcher of the long history of conspiracy theories. Moderated by Jamelle Bouie, columnist at the New York Times.

Co-sponsored by International House.

If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact iopevents@uchicago.edu.

Wednesday May 6, 2026
International House
5:30 - 6:45 pm