Sen. Thom Tillis Promotes Conspiracy Theory Associated with Antisemitic QAnon Movement

During a virtual town hall on September 24, 2020, Sen Thom Tillis (R-NC) voiced support for the idea that COVID-19 is responsible for fewer than the reported 200,00 (and counting) lives the virus has claimed in the United States.

As journalists at Salon reported, the claim Tillis bolstered on a call with constituents is one associated with the QAnon movement. QAnon is at its core an antisemitic conspiracy theory: Its adherents believe that a Satanic cabal made up of of Democrats, largely Jewish philanthropists, and Hollywood celebrities and producers, are trafficking children both for sex and to use their blood.

QAnon has become increasingly accepted by the Republican Party, moving from the fringes to the mainstream. 20 open believers of QAnon have won Republican congressional primaries and will be on the ballot in November. As a sitting member of Congress, Tillis is not alone in lending credence to QAnon; Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) are among those who have also signaled support for QAnon.