Trauma and trust: How familiarity with government harm and identification with harmed groups shapes government suspicion in Michigan
Conspiratorial thinking— or attempts to attribute significant social and political events to secret plots by powerful actors—has been a recurring feature of social history. From doubts about the moon landing to beliefs that 9/11 was an inside job, many conspiracy theories persist despite robust scientific evidence debunking them. The dissemination of these ideas fuels misinformation and deepens social distrust. Of course, conspiratorial thinking is not always harmful. Some claims that were once framed as conspiracy theories have proven true and entered the historical record, such as the Watergate scandal. In such instances, these ideas, and the questioning that emerged from them, served as an important mechanism of political accountability. By examining patterns of government suspicion in three Michigan communities —Grand Rapids, Ypsilanti, and Flint— we aim to provide insights into the drivers of conspiratorial thinking and inform efforts to fortify American democracy.
Key findings
Findings suggest that, for many, skepticism toward government is not mere paranoia but a response to lived experiences of systemic injustice. This distrust has tangible consequences: those with lower government suspicion were significantly more likely to support vaccines (98% vs. 80%) and to express intent to vote in the November 2024 election (87% vs. 71%).
The report underscores the importance of addressing past harms and rebuilding trust to strengthen democratic engagement.
