Fact check: What are the origins of the Pizzagate conspiracy theory involving Donald Trump?

1. Summary of the results

The Pizzagate conspiracy theory was a false claim that emerged during the 2016 US presidential election, alleging that a pedophilia ring was operating out of Comet Ping Pong, a Washington D.C. pizza restaurant ^[1]. The theory originated from a tweet by a user claiming to be a Jewish New York lawyer and was subsequently amplified by alt-right activists and conspiracy theorists ^[2].

The conspiracy theory was spread through fake news websites, social media platforms, and promoted by notable figures including Alex Jones and Michael Flynn Jr. ^[1]. Despite being thoroughly debunked by fact-checking organizations and law enforcement, the theory continued to circulate online ^[1].

The real-world consequences were severe: the theory led to threats and violence against the targeted pizzeria and its employees ^[2], culminating in a shooting incident at Comet Ping Pong when an armed individual arrived to "investigate" the claims ^[2]. The gunman was later sentenced, and a plea deal was reached in the case ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question specifically asks about Donald Trump's involvement in Pizzagate's origins, but the analyses reveal that Trump himself was not directly involved in creating or initially spreading the conspiracy theory ^{[1] [2]}. The theory's origins trace back to anonymous social media users and was amplified by alt-right activists rather than Trump directly.

Several important contextual elements are missing from the original question:

• The theory emerged as part of a broader fake news ecosystem during the 2016 election cycle that targeted Hillary Clinton and Democratic figures ^{[1] [4]}
• Financial motivations drove some fake news creation, as noted in analyses showing fake news can be created "for financial gain or to manipulate public opinion" ^[5]
• The incident prompted Hillary Clinton to warn about the dangers of fake news and its real-world consequences in a Capitol Hill speech ^[4]
• Social media platforms bore responsibility for the theory's spread, with analyses noting "the need for them to take responsibility in stemming its spread" ^[5]

The analyses emphasize that this case highlighted the importance of media literacy and critical thinking in evaluating online information ^[5].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains a significant factual error by implying that Donald Trump was involved in the origins of the Pizzagate conspiracy theory. The analyses clearly show that Trump was not among the originators of this conspiracy theory ^{[1] [2]}.

This framing could mislead readers into believing Trump created or initially promoted Pizzagate, when the evidence shows the theory originated from anonymous social media users and was spread by alt-right activists and conspiracy theorists. The question's phrasing suggests a predetermined conclusion about Trump's involvement that is not supported by the factual record presented in the analyses.

The question would be more accurate if it asked about the actual origins of Pizzagate or Trump's relationship (if any) to the theory's spread, rather than assuming his involvement in its creation.