MAGA pastor and evangelical leader Lance Wallnau has made bold accusations following the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, claiming that Harris used "witchcraft" to manipulate the debate outcome in her favor.
Newsweek reported that Wallnau posted his claims on social media, alleging that Harris and the debate moderators used a scheme to deceive viewers and dominate the debate.
Wallnau's remarks surfaced on X, formerly known as Twitter, where he asserted that Harris used supernatural tactics during the debate to gain the upper hand.
His accusations were not limited to Harris; he also targeted the two ABC News moderators, arguing they colluded with Harris’ campaign to influence the debate's direction.
According to Wallnau, the moderators asked biased questions that favored Harris while repeatedly fact-checking Trump, a move he claimed was orchestrated to "seal the kill box." This accusation has ignited a wave of controversy and has been picked up by conspiracy theorists within the pro-Trump movement.
The pastor's accusations went beyond mere criticism of the debate’s structure. He suggested that Harris was allowed to spread misinformation about Trump without being challenged, framing this as part of a broader conspiracy. Wallnau argued that the debate moderators were complicit in allowing Harris to "lie about Trump" without interruption, calling this collusion an example of "occult-empowered deception."
"When I say 'witchcraft,' I am talking about what happened tonight," Wallnau posted. "Occult-empowered deception, manipulation, and domination." He claimed that the moderators' approach created a dynamic where Harris' narrative was left unchallenged, influencing viewers' perspectives.
Wallnau’s use of the term "witchcraft" was not intended to suggest literal magic but rather to describe what he saw as a form of psychological manipulation aimed at swaying public opinion.
Lance Wallnau has long been a prominent figure in the pro-Trump evangelical movement. He gained national attention in 2016 when he compared Trump to the biblical figure Cyrus, framing the former president as "God's chosen" leader. Since then, Wallnau’s influence among conservative Christians has grown, especially through his "Courage Tour" and his promotion of the "Seven Mountain Mandate."
The "Seven Mountain Mandate" is a belief system that advocates for Christian dominance in seven key areas of society, including government, media, and education. Wallnau’s teachings have resonated with many Trump supporters, and his claims about Harris have only amplified his voice within this community.
Wallnau’s accusations have fueled existing tensions, with some MAGA supporters taking to social media to promote a conspiracy theory that ABC News provided Harris with the debate questions in advance. While this claim remains unsubstantiated, it has gained traction among conservative accounts online.
Wallnau’s claims have sparked a broader discussion among Trump supporters, many of whom have been vocal in expressing their belief that the debate was unfairly biased against the former president. A self-proclaimed whistleblower on X claimed they would release an affidavit proving the debate was rigged, though no such document has yet surfaced.
Adding to the controversy, a Newsweek poll found that 66.7% of respondents believed Harris won the debate, while 33.2% said Trump came out on top. Many political commentators and scholars of government and debate agreed that Harris had outperformed Trump, further fueling conspiracy theories among Trump’s base.
In the wake of the debate, Trump himself expressed reluctance to participate in future debates unless they are moderated by figures more favorable to his campaign. He suggested he only consider debating again if moderators like Sean Hannity, Jesse Watters, and Laura Ingraham were selected.
This reluctance comes as the debate performance of Harris continues to draw praise from political experts, while Trump’s supporters are increasingly vocal about what they see as a biased and manipulated event.
As the conspiracy theories continue to circulate, Wallnau’s claims of "witchcraft" have added a new and dramatic layer to the ongoing discourse surrounding the 2024 election debates. His statements have sparked both controversy and support within evangelical circles, further highlighting the deep divisions in the political landscape.
In the aftermath of the debate, it remains to be seen whether Wallnau's accusations will have a lasting impact on public perception or if they will fade as the campaign progresses. Regardless, his comments have injected a highly unusual narrative into the already contentious 2024 presidential race.
