What is QAnon, the conspiracy theory spreading throughout the US

The far-right QAnon conspiracy theory has made waves in this election after US President Donald Trump’s acknowledgement of its adherents in August and an increase in Republican and independent congressional candidates embracing the movement, which many consider a mad hoax or even a cult. Followers believe a high-ranking, anonymous government official called “Q” is providing top-secret information in internet posts about a cannibalistic, satanic cabal of “Deep State” actors engaged in a child trafficking ring that Trump has been chosen to dismantle. Some also believe the conspirators are extracting chemicals from the children’s blood to extend their lives. But this is only the core of the conspiracy theory, which spreads and subsumes further conspiracies. Q’s history and reach The identity of Q – presumed to be called as such because those with “Q clearance” at the Department of Energy can view classified information – is unknown, though they are assumed to be a United States citizen. style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0; bottom: 0; right: 0; left: 0;">