Senate Republican wants to hold hearings on a 9/11 conspiracy theory

Yahoo! News - Apr 22nd, 2025

Senator Ron Johnson is launching an investigation into the 9/11 attacks, citing conspiracy theories regarding the collapse of Building 7 at the World Trade Center. As chair of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Johnson has the authority to probe a wide range of matters, and he is currently seeking information to hold hearings on the event. His recent podcast appearance with MAGA personality Benny Johnson highlighted his belief that the building's collapse was a controlled demolition. Johnson questions the findings of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and suggests that there may be a cover-up regarding what the American government knows about 9/11.

The implications of Johnson's investigation are significant, as it revisits a tragic event nearly 25 years later and challenges long-standing conclusions accepted by many. The conspiracy theories he promotes have been widely debunked, but they continue to garner attention among certain groups. Johnson's actions could stoke further controversy and division, as he is already labeled a conspiracy theorist for his views on both 9/11 and the January 6 Capitol attack. The potential hearings could reignite debates about government transparency and accountability, though it's uncertain when or if these hearings will take place.

Ron Johnson 9/11 Conspiracy Theories Building 7 Senate Permanent Subcommittee On Investigations Benny Johnson National Institute Of Standards And Technology

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RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively covers a timely and controversial topic by reporting on Sen. Ron Johnson's interest in revisiting 9/11 conspiracy theories. It accurately presents Johnson's statements and the context of his claims, though it could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including expert opinions and official reports. The piece is clear and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. However, the reliance on a single perspective limits its potential impact and engagement. Overall, the article provides a solid foundation for understanding the current discussion but would be strengthened by greater source diversity and transparency.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports that Sen. Ron Johnson is seeking information to potentially hold hearings on the 9/11 attacks, specifically focusing on conspiracy theories surrounding Building 7. It correctly notes Johnson's claims about controlled demolition, which align with statements he made on a podcast. The article also accurately outlines the official explanation for Building 7's collapse, which is attributed to fire damage after debris impact. However, the piece could benefit from more explicit references to official reports or direct statements from Johnson's spokesperson to enhance verifiability.

Balance

The article primarily presents Sen. Johnson's perspective and the conspiracy theories he supports, with limited counterarguments or perspectives from experts or officials who affirm the official 9/11 narrative. While it mentions the mainstream view of Building 7's collapse, the piece could be more balanced by including expert opinions or referencing the conclusions of the 9/11 Commission to provide a more comprehensive view of the topic.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow from Johnson's podcast appearance to his potential investigation. The language is straightforward, making the content accessible to a general audience. However, the article could benefit from clearer delineation between conspiracy theories and established facts to ensure readers understand the distinction.

Source quality

The article cites a podcast interview with Sen. Ron Johnson, which is a primary source for his statements. However, it lacks a variety of sources, such as official reports or expert analyses, which could lend additional credibility. The reliance on Johnson's podcast appearance limits the range of perspectives and authoritative voices in the article. Including more diverse sources, such as statements from the National Institute of Standards and Technology or other government officials, would improve source quality.

Transparency

The article is transparent about the basis of its claims, clearly attributing statements to Sen. Johnson and the podcast appearance. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodology behind Johnson's investigation or the potential hearings. Greater transparency about the sources of Johnson's claims and the evidence he is using to support his investigation would enhance the article's reliability.