https://slate.com/technology/2021/01/how-qanon-believers-reacted-to-the-biden-inauguration-hint-not-so-well.htmlQAnon, once an obscure hobbyhorse among the most extreme fringes of Trump's base, eventually grew to play a prominent role in his presidency. The theory first emerged on the imageboard 4chan in 2017 when a user claiming to be a high-up government official started posting messages about Trump's secret war against the pedophiles. The fantastical narrative grew from there, with various offshoot theories that incorporated UFOs, cannibalism, and a still-alive John F. Kennedy Jr. People sporting QAnon signs and clothing became a conspicuous presence at Trump rallies, and a cottage industry for QAnon merchandise and influencers soon blossomed.
Trump, who has always been hesitant to turn away supporters but never hesitant to indulge lies, repeatedly refused to denounce QAnon, which gave more steam to the movement. He would even go on to help spread outlandish claims about election fraud that had originated with QAnon believers. Far from being harmless, the conspiracy theory inspired acts of violence, first with a few cases of murder and kidnappings and then with the Capitol riot, which involved some insurrectionists wearing QAnon clothing and spouting Q-related slogans.