Document Type

Senior Thesis

Publication Date

Spring 2026

Abstract

Weather manipulation by the government is among the most widely believed conspiracy theories in America, with over 49 percent of Americans subscribing to this belief. As belief in weather-related conspiracies continues to gain traction, understanding the political and social factors that drive these beliefs becomes increasingly essential. In this study, data from the Chapman Survey of American Fears, a representative national sample of U.S. adults, as well as a qualitative content analysis of X/Twitter posts from 2020 to 2026, are used. This research examines how political partisanship and conspiratorial predisposition are reflected in media consumption and levels of institutional trust, which influence belief in weather manipulation. It also examines the drivers behind belief in weather manipulation conspiracy theories, such as chemtrails, as well as the underlying narratives and mechanisms that sustain these beliefs. This leads to the demonization and degradation of climate science and an intense environment where conspiratorial conversations are amplified. Ultimately, the research highlights that the belief in the government concealing information about weather control, modification, manipulation, and chemtrails reflects broader patterns of distrust in government institutions. This fosters a perspective that undermines scientific understanding and shapes broader resistance to climate action, illustrating an interesting interplay between fear, distrust, and environmental politics in America.

Comments

Honors thesis/capstone project under the direction of Dr. Ann Gordon & Dr. Robert Guyker.

Copyright

The author

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