How a Conspiracy Theory About Missing Scientists Made Its Way to the White House

Plus: Where to Hunt for Vintage Armani

View in browser | Update preferences SUBSCRIBE FOR FULL ACCESS From birtherism to QAnon, Donald Trump has a well-documented history of embracing conspiracy theories. So it was only a matter of time before a vague theory about the deaths and disappearances of 11 scientists, which has been swirling for weeks in tabloids and on podcasts, reached the White House. In quick succession, the House Oversight Committee and the FBI both sprang into action following Trump’s promise last week to look into a potential link between the seemingly unrelated cases. But for conspiracy theory experts, writes VF’s Dan Adler, the missing-scientists saga similarly falls apart on any closer inspection. “It’s one of those things where once you start looking into the details,” paranormal investigator Benjamin Radford told him, “the mystery sort of vanishes.” CAITLIN DICKSON, SENIOR EDITOR Why this ad? Unidentified Aerial Phenomena BY DAN ADLER A haphazard grouping of recent cases emerged from what one paranormal investigator describes as “mystery-mongering data mining.” It also made for ideal fodder for the president and our leading media personalities alike. READ MORE Get more as a Vanity Fair subscriber Exclusive offer: Subscribe to get one month of Vanity Fair free START YOUR FREE TRIAL More Great Reads SCENE REPORT Inside a Real-Life Group Chat on Sexual Desire at Gloria Steinem’s Home BY SAVANNAH WALSH “Off the record!” one woman shouts in my direction after detailing a sexy secret. READ MORE HOLLYWOOD Why Celebrities Are Finally Openly Talking About Their AI Interests BY REBECCA FORD Actors are still resistant, but high-profile multihyphenates like Ben Affleck are looking for ways that AI can help filmmakers without replacing creatives. READ MORE From the Archive The Mogul in Mr. Kennedy BY CARI BEAUCHAMP Joseph P. Kennedy’s brief Hollywood reign, from 1926 to 1930—during which he ran three studios, spearheaded the talkie revolution, and created the prototype for the modern entertainment empire—has gone largely unexamined, overshadowed by his founding of America’s greatest political dynasty. As disclosed in rarely seen archives, the Boston financier devastated the careers of two major stars, one of them his mistress Gloria Swanson, in the merciless pursuit of movie-industry fortune. From the June 2015 issue, Cari Beauchamp reveals how Kennedy became the first (and only) outsider to take Hollywood for a ride, while succumbing to its ultimate seduction. READ MORE Why this ad? In Case You Missed It Where to Hunt for Vintage Armani Coinciding with Milan Design Week, Giorgio Armani has “faithfully reproduced,” according to a press release, 13 men’s and women’s looks from early collections spanning from 1979 to 1994. MORE FROM VANITY FAIR POLITICS BUSINESS HOLLYWOOD STYLE ROYALS CELEBRITY This e-mail was sent to you by VANITY FAIR. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, vanityfair@newsletter.vf.com, to your address book. View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe Copyright © Condé Nast 2026. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.