By Steve Neavling
Homeland Security officials are worried that the conspiracy theory claiming Donald Trump will be reinstated as president could fuel violence.
John Cohen, the agency’s top counterterrorism official, discussed the concerns with members of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security, POLITICO reports.
Cohen told members of Congress that the agency is monitoring extremist communities on social media.
Among the concerns is that the conspiracy theory falsely suggests the election was rigged.
The conspiracy theory has been promoted by Mike Lindell, the pillow magnate and Trump devotee. Reporters for The New York Times and National Review also indicated Trump believed the conspiracy theory.
After the POLITICO story was published, a DHS spokesperson said, “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is focused on the nexus between violence and extremist ideologies, as well as hateful and false narratives. DHS is enhancing its ability to prevent acts of violence inspired by disinformation, conspiracy theories, and extremist narratives spread through social media and other online platforms.”
