Derek Johnson (conspiracy theorist)

Derek Johnson is an American conspiracy theorist who promotes misinformation and disinformation, primarily through social media platforms such as Telegram and X (formerly Twitter). He is known for his adherence to, and amplification of, QAnon-adjacent narratives, particularly those concerning former President Donald Trump, the military, and a supposed secret plan to restore Trump to power.

Johnson's theories often involve misinterpretations of legal documents and military codes, which he uses to support his claims of an ongoing military operation led by Trump. He frequently asserts that Trump remains the true president, despite the outcome of the 2020 election. His claims often include predictions of imminent mass arrests and tribunals of political opponents and celebrities, echoing common QAnon themes.

Johnson's reach has been amplified by his active engagement with a substantial online following. His pronouncements are often shared and repeated within conspiracy theory communities, contributing to the spread of misinformation and the reinforcement of unfounded beliefs. He has been criticized for inciting distrust in democratic institutions and promoting potentially harmful narratives. Fact-checkers and journalists have repeatedly debunked his claims.

While his influence remains concentrated within specific online communities, Johnson represents a significant example of how conspiracy theories can proliferate and gain traction through social media, particularly those that capitalize on existing political polarization and distrust in mainstream media. His work exemplifies the ways in which individuals can leverage online platforms to disseminate unsubstantiated claims and build a following based on misinformation.