Empowering the People’s Truth Through Social Media? (De)Legitimizing Truth Claims of Populist Politicians and Citizens

Right-wing populists have allegedly fueled increasing levels of distrust regarding expert knowledge and empirical evidence. Yet, we know little about how right-wing populist politicians citizens use social media to construct oppose truth claims. Using a qualitative analysis Twitter Facebook posts communicated by supporting ideas in the Netherlands, this article offers in-depth insights into processes legitimization (confirming claims) de-legitimization (opposing claims). The main conclusion is that populism do not share universal way referring reality. They communicate confirmation-biased reality: Expert evidence are de-contextualized or reinterpreted aligned with agendas. References people’s experiences worldviews, conspiracy theories crisis sentiments used legitimize opposition Based on these findings, coin idea an “adaptable construction claims” central interpretations In times attacks evidence, discourse may fuel antagonism between ordinary claims established channels government. Social offer platform members public engage discussions (un)truthfulness, perceived deception, oppositions—potentially amplifying divides sources.