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NEW: QAnon isn’t a fever dream — it’s projection. Donald Trump is credibly accused of raping a 13-year-old girl at Jeffrey Epstein’s mansion in 1994.
New evidence suggests QAnon may be part of a sloppy attempt to cover it up. #IBelieveKatie https://iansmadrig.medium.com/qanon-isnt-a-fever-dream-it-s-projection-8a3e72b420b9
THREAD
New evidence suggests QAnon may be part of a sloppy attempt to cover it up. #IBelieveKatie https://iansmadrig.medium.com/qanon-isnt-a-fever-dream-it-s-projection-8a3e72b420b9
THREAD
In November 2018, I wrote a viral thread examining publicly available information about these rape accusations.
Katie Johnson alleges Trump assaulted her on four separate occasions, culminating in a rape when she was 13 at Epstein’s Manhattan home. https://twitter.com/iansmadrig/status/1068605537246425088
Katie Johnson alleges Trump assaulted her on four separate occasions, culminating in a rape when she was 13 at Epstein’s Manhattan home. https://twitter.com/iansmadrig/status/1068605537246425088
Her evidence? Three sworn declarations — from Katie herself (filing as "Jane Doe"), a friend she confided in at the time, and a person identified as one of Epstein’s recruiters.
All of the court filings can be found here. https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000158-26b6-dda3-afd8-b6fe46f40000
All of the court filings can be found here. https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000158-26b6-dda3-afd8-b6fe46f40000
In July 2019, I reviewed compelling and candid video testimony recorded in February 2016, where Katie tells the story in her own words.
Despite the video and legal claims, her allegations have received little media attention since she went public in 2016. https://twitter.com/iansmadrig/status/1148399719334449152
Despite the video and legal claims, her allegations have received little media attention since she went public in 2016. https://twitter.com/iansmadrig/status/1148399719334449152
This lack of coverage is likely due to her anonymity, sketchy early advocates, and frankly, deeply disturbing claims.
Yet Katie's story is supported by details uncovered by @MiamiHerald reporter @jkbjournalist that weren’t widely known when she came forward two years earlier.
Yet Katie's story is supported by details uncovered by @MiamiHerald reporter @jkbjournalist that weren’t widely known when she came forward two years earlier.
Katie’s allegations were not a last-ditch effort to smear Trump before the election.
Her video testimony appears to have been recorded on February 11, 2016 — days after Ted Cruz won the Iowa Caucus and three months before Trump would become the presumptive Republican nominee.
Her video testimony appears to have been recorded on February 11, 2016 — days after Ted Cruz won the Iowa Caucus and three months before Trump would become the presumptive Republican nominee.
Before we examine her story, what does all this have to do with QAnon? The answer goes back to November 2016.
Katie was scheduled to reveal her identity at a press conference Nov. 2. That afternoon, her attorney called it off, citing “numerous threats." https://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/donald-trump-rape-accuser-lawsuits-230647
Katie was scheduled to reveal her identity at a press conference Nov. 2. That afternoon, her attorney called it off, citing “numerous threats." https://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/donald-trump-rape-accuser-lawsuits-230647
To put this in context, Trump attorney Michael Cohen — who is known for forceful threats — bought @StormyDaniels' silence the next day, and the National Enquirer allegedly bought Karen McDougal’s the day after that.
Trump's team appears to have been on peak offense that week.
Trump's team appears to have been on peak offense that week.
On October 29, social media accounts began to circulate disinformation in what appeared to be a coordinated campaign, falsely claiming Anthony Weiner’s laptop had evidence of an “international child enslavement and sex ring” with Jeffrey Epstein and Hillary Clinton at the core.
The day of Katie's planned press conference, a self-employed PI named Douglas Hagmann repeated these rumors on InfoWars.
Pro-Trump media figure Mike Cernovich further speculated that references to food in leaked Clinton emails were code for child rape. https://wearechange.org/internet-fire-speculation-podesta-emails-contain-code-child-sex/
Pro-Trump media figure Mike Cernovich further speculated that references to food in leaked Clinton emails were code for child rape. https://wearechange.org/internet-fire-speculation-podesta-emails-contain-code-child-sex/
Thus, Pizzagate was born. Within a year, it morphed into the ever-growing web of wack jobs known as QAnon.
Accusing others of what he is being accused (or is guilty) of is a classic Trump tactic. Known as projection, this behavior is typical of a pathological narcissist.
Accusing others of what he is being accused (or is guilty) of is a classic Trump tactic. Known as projection, this behavior is typical of a pathological narcissist.
It is unclear if Trump’s team helped craft this narrative, but we do know they spread it.
A year-long investigation found the fake scandal was spread by various botnets and automated accounts, including 14 linked to Russia’s 2016 influence campaign. https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/anatomy-of-a-fake-news-scandal-125877/
A year-long investigation found the fake scandal was spread by various botnets and automated accounts, including 14 linked to Russia’s 2016 influence campaign. https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/anatomy-of-a-fake-news-scandal-125877/
One of those Russian accounts was soon retweeted by Donald Trump Jr., rightwing pundit Ann Coulter, and Trump operative Roger Stone.
Erik Prince, brother of Education Secretary Betsy Devos, then grossly exaggerated Hillary Clinton’s ties to Epstein in a Nov. 4 interview.
Erik Prince, brother of Education Secretary Betsy Devos, then grossly exaggerated Hillary Clinton’s ties to Epstein in a Nov. 4 interview.
So what exactly might all these forces have worked so hard to bury?
Katie’s story is remarkably similar to other purported victims of Jeffrey Epstein. According to the lawsuit, she came to New York in June 1994 “in the hope of starting a modeling career.”
Katie’s story is remarkably similar to other purported victims of Jeffrey Epstein. According to the lawsuit, she came to New York in June 1994 “in the hope of starting a modeling career.”
Katie soon met "Tiffany" (a pseudonym used by a woman who claims to have recruited for Epstein) who offered to bring her to parties where she could meet people in the industry.
Katie claims Trump had “sexual contact" with her at four parties she attended that summer.
Katie claims Trump had “sexual contact" with her at four parties she attended that summer.
Katie says she understood both Trump and Epstein "knew that [she] was 13 years old.”
At their fourth encounter, she says "Trump tied me to a bed, exposed himself to me, and then proceeded to forcibly rape me."
![Katie says she understood both Trump and Epstein "knew that [she] was 13 years old.” At their fourth encounter, she says "Trump tied me to a bed, exposed himself to me, and then proceeded to forcibly rape me."](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ElxOrUmWoAEFlQe.png "Katie says she understood both Trump and Epstein \"knew that [she] was 13 years old.” At their fourth encounter, she says \"Trump tied me to a bed, exposed himself to me, and then proceeded to forcibly rape me.\"")
At their fourth encounter, she says "Trump tied me to a bed, exposed himself to me, and then proceeded to forcibly rape me."
The details in the lawsuit are chilling to read, but you can hear Katie recount the rape in her own words in the below clip.
All of the videos linked below were clipped by me, but the full video of Katie’s testimony is available at
All of the videos linked below were clipped by me, but the full video of Katie’s testimony is available at
Listen to Katie’s voice. Listen to her story.
As someone who is close to many survivors of rape and child sexual abuse, Katie’s narrative rings true to me, and her pain is apparent.
As someone who is close to many survivors of rape and child sexual abuse, Katie’s narrative rings true to me, and her pain is apparent.
In other clips, her story matches details about Epstein that would not be publicly reported in the Miami Herald for another two years: how the recruiter network operated, new victims coerced into massages, forced digital penetration.
How could Katie know if she hadn’t lived it?
How could Katie know if she hadn’t lived it?
In another clip, Katie explains Trump "being satisfied or happy had to do with him being in power, but extreme power.”
She then talks about being forced to perform a fantasy where Trump threatens to deport one of his maids unless she gives him oral sex. https://twitter.com/i/status/1148410184299139073%20
She then talks about being forced to perform a fantasy where Trump threatens to deport one of his maids unless she gives him oral sex. https://twitter.com/i/status/1148410184299139073%20
Katie also testifies that "Trump specifically asked about me because I remind him of his daughter, and [Tiffany] said, 'Well, she's 13 as well.'"
Polite society glosses over Trump’s disturbing comments about Ivanka, but we all know that this adds up.
Polite society glosses over Trump’s disturbing comments about Ivanka, but we all know that this adds up.
Katie (filing as “Jane Doe”) is not the only witness offered in the lawsuit.
Another woman "Joan" attests under penalty of perjury that Katie told her about the abuse “in the 1994-95 school year” — shortly after the alleged assaults — and that she is willing to testify in court.
Another woman "Joan" attests under penalty of perjury that Katie told her about the abuse “in the 1994-95 school year” — shortly after the alleged assaults — and that she is willing to testify in court.
There is also a sworn declaration from “Tiffany” who claims she worked for Epstein between 1991 and 2000 “to get attractive adolescent women to attend these parties.”
Tiffany corroborates Katie's story of being recruited and claims she “personally witnessed” all four assaults.
Tiffany corroborates Katie's story of being recruited and claims she “personally witnessed” all four assaults.
Two days after the canceled press conference, Katie withdrew her lawsuit on November 4, 2016 and has not been heard from since her alleged rapist became the most powerful man in the world.
Imagine having to see your abuser on TV. Every day. In the White House.
Imagine having to see your abuser on TV. Every day. In the White House.
The 26+ women who accuse Donald Trump of sexual misconduct don’t have to imagine.
Katie is often left off of these lists, but three sworn declarations filed in federal court under penalty of perjury are strong evidence that merits thorough investigation. https://www.businessinsider.com/women-accused-trump-sexual-misconduct-list-2017-12
Katie is often left off of these lists, but three sworn declarations filed in federal court under penalty of perjury are strong evidence that merits thorough investigation. https://www.businessinsider.com/women-accused-trump-sexual-misconduct-list-2017-12
I am an attorney and an activist, not a journalist. I have no way of independently verifying Katie's story.
But significant evidence in the public record supports many elements of her claims. So let’s dig in.
But significant evidence in the public record supports many elements of her claims. So let’s dig in.
While child sex abuse is a serious accusation, Katie is not the only person Trump allegedly assaulted as a minor.
A man told @BBCPanorama he witnessed Trump bragging about "having sex with" young models who "were anywhere from 14, 15, 16 years old.”
A man told @BBCPanorama he witnessed Trump bragging about "having sex with" young models who "were anywhere from 14, 15, 16 years old.”
Five Miss Teen USA contestants say Trump walked into a dressing room where girls as young as 15 were changing in 1997.
Trump bragged to Howard Stern in 2005 about “get[ting] away with” going “backstage before a show and everyone’s getting dressed.” https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/kendalltaggart/teen-beauty-queens-say-trump-walked-in-on-them-changing#.kavkWYOwE
Trump bragged to Howard Stern in 2005 about “get[ting] away with” going “backstage before a show and everyone’s getting dressed.” https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/kendalltaggart/teen-beauty-queens-say-trump-walked-in-on-them-changing#.kavkWYOwE
Trump’s sexual comments toward children and teenagers are extensively documented, even in his own voice.
He openly boasted in a 1999 radio interview that Ivanka made him promise not to date anyone younger than her. She was 17 at the time. https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/trump-ivanka-made-promise-not-date-younger-article-1.2813061
He openly boasted in a 1999 radio interview that Ivanka made him promise not to date anyone younger than her. She was 17 at the time. https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/trump-ivanka-made-promise-not-date-younger-article-1.2813061
Former teen model Barbara Pilling told reporters he asked her out for dinner at an industry party in the late 1980s.
She recalls Trump asking how old she was. “I said 17 and he said, ‘That’s just great – you’re not too old, not too young.’” https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/14/teen-models-powerful-men-when-donald-trump-hosted-look-of-the-year
She recalls Trump asking how old she was. “I said 17 and he said, ‘That’s just great – you’re not too old, not too young.’” https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/14/teen-models-powerful-men-when-donald-trump-hosted-look-of-the-year
Trump’s close relationship with Epstein is also not in question. He said in 2002: “I’ve known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy...it is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.”
Not exactly subtle. https://nymag.com/nymetro/news/people/n_7912/
Not exactly subtle. https://nymag.com/nymetro/news/people/n_7912/
Trump and Epstein were neighbors in Palm Beach at the time of Katie's alleged rape and frequently traveled together to New York.
Barry Levine reports Epstein once brought along a very young girl in heavy makeup on Trump’s plane and no one said a thing. https://okmagazine.com/news/donald-trump-introduces-kids-ivanka-eric-pedophile-jeffrey-epstein-photo/
Barry Levine reports Epstein once brought along a very young girl in heavy makeup on Trump’s plane and no one said a thing. https://okmagazine.com/news/donald-trump-introduces-kids-ivanka-eric-pedophile-jeffrey-epstein-photo/
Levine notes Epstein frequently visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, which was not yet open to the public.
Incidentally, Virginia Giuffre says she was recruited by Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell while working as a locker room attendant at Mar-a-Lago. https://www.politico.com/story/2019/08/09/epstein-mar-a-lago-trump-1456221
Incidentally, Virginia Giuffre says she was recruited by Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell while working as a locker room attendant at Mar-a-Lago. https://www.politico.com/story/2019/08/09/epstein-mar-a-lago-trump-1456221
There are many photos of Trump with Epstein, including shots of them mugging at a party with Melania and Ghislaine.
The man pictured between Trump and Epstein in the first photo is Prince Andrew, who Giuffre claims she was trafficked to London to sleep with when she was 17.
The man pictured between Trump and Epstein in the first photo is Prince Andrew, who Giuffre claims she was trafficked to London to sleep with when she was 17.
Levine’s book also includes a never-before-seen photo of Trump and Epstein at the opening of a Harley Davidson cafe in 1993, with a young Ivanka and Eric in tow.
This photo was taken 9 months before Katie alleges Trump targeted her because she “remind[ed] him of his daughter.”
![Levine’s book also includes a never-before-seen photo of Trump and Epstein at the opening of a Harley Davidson cafe in 1993, with a young Ivanka and Eric in tow.This photo was taken 9 months before Katie alleges Trump targeted her because she “remind[ed] him of his daughter.”](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ElxWczQXgAk27H2.jpg "Levine’s book also includes a never-before-seen photo of Trump and Epstein at the opening of a Harley Davidson cafe in 1993, with a young Ivanka and Eric in tow.This photo was taken 9 months before Katie alleges Trump targeted her because she “remind[ed] him of his daughter.”")
This photo was taken 9 months before Katie alleges Trump targeted her because she “remind[ed] him of his daughter.”
Trump and Epstein didn’t just run in similar social circles. They were known to pursue women together.
Last year, a video of Trump and Epstein leering at models and cheerleaders at a November 1992 party emerged. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tape-shows-donald-trump-jeffrey-epstein-discussing-women-1992-party-n1030686
Last year, a video of Trump and Epstein leering at models and cheerleaders at a November 1992 party emerged. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tape-shows-donald-trump-jeffrey-epstein-discussing-women-1992-party-n1030686
A man claims Trump asked him to arrange a party with pageant finalists in 1993, promising to invite industry contacts. But just one other guest showed: Jeffrey Epstein.
The man reports when asked where everyone else was, Trump replied, “Well, this is it.” https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/14/teen-models-powerful-men-when-donald-trump-hosted-look-of-the-year
The man reports when asked where everyone else was, Trump replied, “Well, this is it.” https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/14/teen-models-powerful-men-when-donald-trump-hosted-look-of-the-year
Trump later founded a modeling agency, reportedly as “his own private source for models." @MotherJones uncovered evidence that the scheme illegally brought girls as young as 14 to the US to work uncompensated.
Sounds a lot like child trafficking, no? https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/08/donald-trump-model-management-illegal-immigration/
Sounds a lot like child trafficking, no? https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/08/donald-trump-model-management-illegal-immigration/
Apparently Epstein admired Trump's operation. @jkbjournalist uncovered a court filing where he is quoted as saying, “I want to set up my modeling agency the same way Trump set up his modeling agency” — which is one of the most damning things I can imagine. http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/07/all-we-know-about-the-new-case-against-jeffrey-epstein.html
Trump’s ties to Epstein extend far beyond the two men.
In 2007, Epstein was prosecuted for “assembling a large, cult-like network of underage girls.” The prosecutor? Future Trump Labor Secretary, Alex Acosta. Epstein’s defense attorney? Future Trump mouthpiece, Alan Dershowitz.
In 2007, Epstein was prosecuted for “assembling a large, cult-like network of underage girls.” The prosecutor? Future Trump Labor Secretary, Alex Acosta. Epstein’s defense attorney? Future Trump mouthpiece, Alan Dershowitz.
According to @MiamiHerald, Acosta worked with Dershowitz to give Epstein a sweetheart deal — just 13 months in jail, which he left daily for 16 hours of “work release.”
Perhaps more egregious, Acosta "granted immunity to 'any potential co-conspirators.’” https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article220097825.html
Perhaps more egregious, Acosta "granted immunity to 'any potential co-conspirators.’” https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article220097825.html
This unusual move could not only shield Trump from prosecution for any crimes against Katie. It may also protect Dershowitz.
Virginia Giuffre says he had sex with her "six times...[starting] when I was about 16, early on in my servitude to Epstein.’’ https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article219494920.html
Virginia Giuffre says he had sex with her "six times...[starting] when I was about 16, early on in my servitude to Epstein.’’ https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article219494920.html
Attorney General Bill Barr is tangled in Epstein’s web as well.
Barr’s father, Donald, was headmaster at the prestigious Dalton School, where Epstein was hired as a math teacher, despite his lack of a teaching certificate or even an undergraduate degree. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/12/nyregion/jeffrey-epstein-dalton-teacher.html
Barr’s father, Donald, was headmaster at the prestigious Dalton School, where Epstein was hired as a math teacher, despite his lack of a teaching certificate or even an undergraduate degree. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/12/nyregion/jeffrey-epstein-dalton-teacher.html
Both Bill Barr and Labor Secretary Acosta previously worked at Kirkland & Ellis, the law firm that defended Epstein against criminal charges in Florida.
Despite this conflict, Attorney General Barr refused to recuse himself from the Epstein prosecution. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/09/bill-barr-will-not-recuse-himself-in-jeffrey-epstein-prosecution.html
Despite this conflict, Attorney General Barr refused to recuse himself from the Epstein prosecution. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/09/bill-barr-will-not-recuse-himself-in-jeffrey-epstein-prosecution.html
One month later, Epstein reportedly hung himself while under supervision of Barr’s DOJ.
Speaking of projection, Trump has amplified conspiracy theories that the Clintons murdered Epstein to cover up their involvement in his trafficking operation…
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-retweets-conspiracy-post-tying-clintons-to-epsteins-death/2019/08/10/e9461004-bbbf-11e9-aeb2-a101a1fb27a7_story.html
Speaking of projection, Trump has amplified conspiracy theories that the Clintons murdered Epstein to cover up their involvement in his trafficking operation…
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-retweets-conspiracy-post-tying-clintons-to-epsteins-death/2019/08/10/e9461004-bbbf-11e9-aeb2-a101a1fb27a7_story.html
What separates QAnon theories from actual conspiracies like Epstein's child sex ring is their reliance on rumor and speculation over verified documentation and evidence.
While Katie's testimony is not irrefutable proof of Trump’s wrongdoing, it also does not exist in a vacuum.
While Katie's testimony is not irrefutable proof of Trump’s wrongdoing, it also does not exist in a vacuum.
Even if we take Katie Johnson out of the equation, the established facts about Trump’s behavior cited throughout are enough to land a less powerful man on the sex offender registry, if not in prison.
They should at least disqualify him from a second term in the White House.
They should at least disqualify him from a second term in the White House.
Regardless of the outcome of this election, Katie’s allegations must be heard and fully investigated.
Every victim and survivor deserves justice, and the American people deserve to know the true depth of depravity currently occupying the Oval Office.
Every victim and survivor deserves justice, and the American people deserve to know the true depth of depravity currently occupying the Oval Office.
As Katie urges in her recorded testimony, “I just want people to know. I have faith in our society that we’ll make the right choice.”
Hopefully, this time, we will. #IBelieveKatie
Hopefully, this time, we will. #IBelieveKatie
Every piece of evidence referenced in this thread is documented and linked in this write-up.
To move forward as a nation, we have to acknowledge the full truth of how low we have sunk. Please share it far and wide! https://iansmadrig.medium.com/qanon-isnt-a-fever-dream-it-s-projection-8a3e72b420b9
To move forward as a nation, we have to acknowledge the full truth of how low we have sunk. Please share it far and wide! https://iansmadrig.medium.com/qanon-isnt-a-fever-dream-it-s-projection-8a3e72b420b9
