Conspiracy Theories Erupt After Biden's Oval Office Address

President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday for the first time since withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race. His speech was meant to clarify his decision to step down from his re-election bid but instead triggered a wave of conspiracy theories across social media.

In his address, the 81-year-old President stated, “I revere this office, but I love my country more.” He continued, “It’s been the honour of my life to serve as your president. But in the defence of democracy, which is at stake, I think it is more important than any title.” Biden emphasized that “the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” following his recent endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee.

MAGA supporters propagate conspiracy theories 

Some supporters of former President Donald Trump began to speculate about the authenticity of the address. They pointed to what they described as an unusually orange-tinged appearance of Biden and questioned the backdrop of the Oval Office.

“Something stinks,” wrote one user 

On social media, users have suggested that the Oval Office setting during Biden’s speech might have been created using artificial intelligence. One user noted, “Why does the backdrop of the Oval Office look pixelated like a green screen w/ photos on a table behind him? The flags especially! Something stinks.” Others reported “glitchy” elements in the background or claimed that the setting resembled a “movie set.”

The tin foil hat nature of some MAGA supporters was visible  earlier this week as well when Biden made a surprise call during Kamala Harris’s speech at the campaign headquarters. Unable to attend in person due to Covid-19, Biden's brief, somewhat groggy-sounding call sparked further rumors. He said, “If I didn’t have Covid I’d be standing there with you. I’m so proud of what you’ve done. I’ll keep out of people’s hair for the next three or four days.”

Some MAGA supporters have alleged that Biden didn't actually call Harris. They suggest Harris was playing a recording. What was their rationale for this speculation? The fact that during her speech, Harris said, “Joe, I know you’re still on the rec… on the call.” 

These conspiracy theories point to the danger of social media, which incentivizes such whacky takes.