Exploring the Cult of QAnon

What exactly is QAnon? Is it a cult? And if it is a cult, does it represent any sort of danger to Americans — or indeed, the world?

We see it most clearly at Trump rallies or pro-Trump demonstrations: attendees waving a giant letter “Q” with an American flag background, or other QAnon related signs. They wear shirts saying “We Are Q,” or those with the cryptic slogan “WWG1WGA” on it. There have also been recent rallies in various US cities of concerned citizens allegedy seeking to “Save the Children.” And more recently, QAnon has started making inroads into the Republican Party, with the nomination of Joe Rae Perkins in Oregon; Marjorie Taylor Green in Georgia; and Lauren Boebert in Colorado.

What in the world is going on?

Recently, when asked by a reporter whether or not he supports QAnon and its followers, Donald Trump gave one of his famously vague, but open-to-interpretation answers: “I don’t know much about the movement other than I understand that they like me very much, which I appreciate. I have heard that it’s gaining in popularity. I’ve heard these are people who love our country and they just don’t like seeing it” (referring to the protests and violence in places like Portland, OR). Moreover, Trump has retweeted or amplified QAnon-related Tweets over 200 times in the last few years.