Trump Blows Up His Own Nominee's Hearing Over Conspiracy Theory | The New Republic
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Trump's disruption of his own nominee's hearing over a noncitizen-voting conspiracy theory is a textbook case of how unfalsifiable beliefs can override even self-interest in political decision-making.
Conspiracy TheoryMotivated ReasoningUnfalsifiabilityBackfire Effect
Theory Briefing
- Trump derailed his own nominee's confirmation hearing by pushing a conspiracy theory that noncitizens vote against him in U.S. elections.
- The episode illustrates motivated reasoning — where a pre-held belief shapes political action even when it undermines one's own agenda.
- Legislation tied to the conspiracy theory frames Democratic opposition as proof of the plot, creating a self-sealing logic immune to counter-evidence.