Trump privately praised far-right QAnon movement for believing ‘in good government’, report says

President expresses support for the baseless conspiracy theory in public and behind closed doors, new report says

President Donald Trump reportedly praised those who follow and support the discredited QAnon conspiracy theory as people who “basically believe in good government” during a strategy meeting with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

The president has publicly defended and repeatedly avoided disavowing the conspiracy theory that security officials warn is a potential terror threat to the country.

But according to a new Washington Post report published on Thursday, he has also discussed QAnon positively in private with his allies on Capitol Hill — causing apparent alarm among his own staff.

Mr Trump mispronounced the name of the conspiracy during the strategy meeting but still praised its followers, many of whom support the president. As the conspiracy theory claims, Mr Trump was attempting to disrupt a global child sex trafficking ring that comprised some of the most powerful international leaders.

The theory is not based in reality and has been repeatedly proven false, yet its supporters increasingly stage mass demonstrations and insist the so-called “deep state” was attempting to undermine Mr Trump’s presidency. All the while, he has refused to condemn violence linked to the baseless conspiracy theory.

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In fact, Mr Trump said he “heard that these are people that love our country” while discussing QAnon conspiracy theorists from behind the podium at the White House.

The president claimed not to much about the conspiracy theorists at the time: “Other than I understand they live me very much.”

He also said he heard the theory was “gaining in popularity” at that time, and has retweeted accounts that promote the fictional narrative surrounding QAnon.

During the strategy meeting, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows reportedly interjected that he had never heard of the group being positively praised as Mr Trump has claimed. 

President-elect Joe Biden has condemned QAnon as a “dangerous” and “embarrassing” conspiracy theory, slamming Mr Trump for not disavowing its supporters.

“I’ve been a big supporter of mental health,” the president-elect said in September. “I'd recommend the people who believe [in QAnon] maybe should take advantage, while it still exists, of the Affordable Care Act."

Two congressional candidates who have expressed public support for QAnon were elected in House races this year, meaning Congress will soon feature representatives engaged with the conspiracy theory and its believers.