Deep Dive: The Jade Helm 15 conspiracy theories in Texas (11/03/2024)

Timeline of Events

March 2015: The United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) announces Operation Jade Helm 15, a multi-state military training exercise.

April 2015:
Conspiracy theories begin circulating online, spurred by a map labeling Texas and other states as “hostile” territory.
Concerns about the exercise escalate, fueled by radio host Alex Jones and other right-wing media figures.
A meeting of the Bastrop County Commissioners Court features residents voicing anxieties about Jade Helm’s true purpose.
April 28, 2015: Texas Governor Greg Abbott orders the Texas State Guard to monitor Jade Helm 15, citing the need to protect Texans' rights and liberties.

May 2015:
Texas Senator Ted Cruz announces he has reached out to the Pentagon to inquire about Jade Helm.
Public Policy Polling finds that 32% of Republican primary voters in Texas believe the government is trying to take over the state.
U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert calls for changes to the exercise, expressing concerns about the labeling of Republican-majority states as "hostile."
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest dismisses concerns about Jade Helm, assuring the public that no constitutional rights will be violated.
Comedian Jon Stewart satirizes the Jade Helm controversy on The Daily Show.
July 15, 2015: Operation Jade Helm 15 officially begins in Texas and other southwestern states.

September 15, 2015: Operation Jade Helm 15 concludes without incident.

2017: Facebook shuts down a Russian-linked page called "Heart of Texas" that promoted Jade Helm conspiracy theories.

May 3, 2018: Former CIA Director Michael Hayden states that Russian bots and the American alt-right media fueled the Jade Helm hysteria, and that Governor Abbott’s response emboldened Russia to interfere in future elections.

Cast of Characters
Greg Abbott: Governor of Texas. Ordered the Texas State Guard to monitor Jade Helm 15, sparking criticism and accusations of pandering to conspiracy theorists.

Michael Hayden: Former director of the CIA and NSA. Claimed that Russia used Jade Helm to test information warfare techniques and that Abbott's response encouraged further interference in US elections.

Alex Jones: Radio host and conspiracy theorist. A major proponent of Jade Helm conspiracy theories, alleging a government plot to invade Texas and impose martial law.

Ted Cruz: U.S. Senator from Texas. Expressed concerns about Jade Helm and claimed to have sought answers from the Pentagon.

Louie Gohmert: U.S. Representative from Texas. Criticized the exercise’s labeling of Republican-leaning states as "hostile" and claimed it reflected a government bias.

Mark Lastoria: Spokesperson for Army Special Operations Command. Attempted to reassure the public about the nature of Jade Helm 15 at the Bastrop County Commissioners Court meeting and through media statements.

Jon Stewart: Comedian and former host of The Daily Show. Satirized the Jade Helm conspiracy theories and the response from Texas politicians.

John Cyrier: Texas State Representative. Represented Bastrop County, the site of initial Jade Helm anxieties, and noted that the frenzy eventually subsided.