In the 2024 presidential election, the issue of political dishonesty took center stage like never before. Politicians lying isn’t new, but this election season saw dishonesty ramped up to unprecedented levels. This escalation wasn’t a new phenomenon but a continuation from the 2020 campaign, where former President Donald Trump became a primary target of allegations. The situation reached such extremes that The Washington Post created a “ledger of lies,” awarding “Pinocchios” to political figures based on their perceived falsehoods. Unsurprisingly, Trump received the lion’s share of these, reinforcing his reputation for hyperbole, exaggeration, and occasional misstatements. However, critics have pointed out that this ledger reflected significant media bias, with less scrutiny placed on the inaccuracies of others.
At the heart of this focus on dishonesty was what many labeled Trump’s “BIG LIE”—his claim that he won the 2020 presidential election. While Trump’s insistence on this point became a rallying cry for his supporters, it also became a lightning rod for criticism. For some, including those who otherwise supported him, the debate over the 2020 results was a distraction. As one observer put it, the election’s outcome was effectively decided when the Electoral College declared Joe Biden the winner. At that point, whether there were irregularities in Pennsylvania or questionable votes elsewhere no longer mattered.
Yet, while Trump’s so-called BIG LIE dominated headlines, another falsehood—far more pervasive and sinister—took root during this period. This was the “HUGE LIE,” propagated by Democrats and their allies in the media. Unlike the BIG LIE, the HUGE LIE wasn’t a single claim but rather an interconnected web of falsehoods designed to serve a broader political agenda.
What Was the HUGE LIE?
The HUGE LIE began with the characterization of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot as an “insurrection.” Over time, this description evolved through a process known in journalism as “story creep,” where events are increasingly sensationalized with each retelling. Soon, some left-leaning media outlets began referring to the riot as an ongoing coup attempt, even suggesting it was a coordinated effort to overthrow the U.S. government. Claims that multiple police officers were killed during the riot added another layer to this narrative—despite evidence to the contrary.
The core of the HUGE LIE was the assertion that Trump’s presidency posed an existential threat to American democracy. Democrats and their media supporters framed him as a fascist dictator-in-waiting, intent on dismantling the Republic. According to this narrative, Trump’s supporters weren’t just political allies but members of a dangerous movement plotting to violently overthrow the government. These assertions, repeated endlessly, mirrored the infamous propaganda tactics of Joseph Goebbels: repeating a falsehood until it was accepted as truth.
The HUGE LIE in Action
The HUGE LIE wasn’t confined to words—it was bolstered by actions designed to reinforce its credibility. Ahead of the first anniversary of the January 6 riot, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered fencing to be erected around the Capitol and called in the National Guard, claiming a serious threat of violence. However, when the day arrived, only about 200 Trump supporters peacefully gathered with a permit, listened to speeches, and dispersed without incident.
The fear-mongering escalated as the 2024 election approached. Reports warned of violence and disruptions at polling places, with Arizona going so far as to install fences, cameras, and rooftop snipers at some voting locations. Despite these dire predictions, the election unfolded peacefully, and Trump emerged victorious against all odds.
Exposing the HUGE LIE
Following Trump’s victory, the HUGE LIE suddenly disappeared from political discourse. Those who had propagated the narrative began to shift their focus. President Biden reassured Americans that “the American experience endures,” while Vice President Harris called for supporters to prepare for future elections. Democratic leaders, including Chuck Schumer, began discussing strategies for the 2026 midterms, abandoning the apocalyptic warnings about democracy’s imminent demise.
The abrupt end to the rhetoric surrounding the HUGE LIE revealed its true nature: a calculated campaign strategy. As critics observed, the narrative had been “a mendacious propaganda effort without a shred of truth.” It was designed to sow fear, delegitimize Trump, and rally opposition voters. Once its purpose was served, it was quietly discarded.
The Role of the Media
The media played a central role in perpetuating the HUGE LIE. By uncritically amplifying the claims of Democratic leaders and suppressing counter-narratives, left-leaning outlets acted less like independent journalists and more like extensions of the Democratic Party. This kind of media alignment, some have argued, is the hallmark of authoritarian regimes, where control of information is used to manipulate public perception.
Despite this, the American public proved more discerning than expected. Many saw through the fear-mongering and recognized the HUGE LIE for what it was: a baseless attempt to undermine confidence in Trump and his supporters. In the end, the Republic endured—not because it was ever truly at risk, but because the supposed threat was nothing more than a political fabrication.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 election has shown that the United States remains a resilient democracy. While political disputes and partisanship are inevitable, the foundations of the Republic are solid. The claims of impending doom and dictatorship have been exposed as groundless.
As the nation moves forward, it is essential to hold both politicians and the media accountable for their role in spreading misinformation. The lesson of the HUGE LIE is clear: truth and transparency are vital to preserving the integrity of our democratic institutions. The Republic was never in danger from Trump or his supporters—it was only ever threatened by the lies told about them.
