JOURNAL ARTICLE

The Dimensions, Origins, and Consequences of Belief in Donald Trump's Big Lie.

  • Published In: Political Science Quarterly (Oxford University Press / USA), 2023, v. 138, n. 2. P. 133 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Jacobson, Gary C 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines the widespread belief among ordinary Republicans and Trump voters in Donald Trump's false claim—referred to as the "big lie"—that he won the 2020 U.S. presidential election and that Joe Biden's victory was illegitimate. Using extensive survey data from sources including Economist/YouGov, Nationscape, and the ANES Social Media Study, the analysis identifies demographic, political, social, and media-related factors that correlate with acceptance of this claim, such as strong support for Trump, negative views of Biden and the Democratic Party, rural residence, lower education levels, and exposure to certain media outlets. The article also explores how this belief has shaped Republican Party dynamics, influenced candidate selection in the 2022 elections, and contributed to the persistence of conspiracy theories and political polarization. Despite repeated debunking and legal defeats of fraud claims, the big lie remains deeply entrenched among a majority of Trump supporters, affecting U.S. political discourse and electoral processes.

Additional Information

  • Source:Political Science Quarterly (Oxford University Press / USA). 2023/06, Vol. 138, Issue 2, p133
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Law
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:0032-3195
  • DOI:10.1093/psquar/qqac030
  • Accession Number:164984258
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