Some GOP leaders at state, local levels use conspiracy theories, lies to rile up base, review shows Updated Feb 26, 2021; Posted Feb 26, 2021 Trump supporters gather outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2020. A faction of local, county and state Republican officials across the country is pushing lies, misinformation and conspiracy theories online that echo those that helped inspire the violent Capitol insurrection, forcing the GOP into an internal reckoning. (John Minchillo, Associated Press) Facebook Share A faction of local, county and state Republican officials is pushing lies, misinformation and conspiracy theories that echo those that helped inspire the violent U.S. Capitol siege, online messaging that is spreading quickly through GOP ranks fueled by algorithms that boost extreme content.