United States of Disbelief
Conspiracy theories regarding the death of Senator Lindsey Graham and the prolonged absence of Senator Mitch McConnell are proliferating among political circles. Despite President Trump's attempts to dismiss these rumors, speculation continues to gain traction among his base.
Why it matters
The spread of these theories reflects a deepening crisis of institutional trust and the normalization of conspiratorial thinking in American political discourse.
The spread of conspiracy theories about Senators Lindsey Graham and Mitch McConnell underscores the lack of trust in American society.
Jakub Porzycki / NurPhoto / Getty July 15, 2026, 5:12 PM ET Share Save This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.
You know that conspiracy theories have gotten out of hand when even Donald Trump thinks so. Yesterday in the Oval Office, reporters asked the president about FBI Director Kash Patel’s statement that his agents were assisting in an investigation into Senator Lindsey Graham’s death. Trump said the matter was simple: Graham had fallen victim to a heart problem.
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