“Michigan Rep. Daire Rendon, a Republican from Lake City, wore a button to a rally outside the Capitol Tuesday that featured an American flag with a gold ‘Q’ on it, a letter that has become a symbol for a right-wing conspiracy theory movement. Asked if the button was for the group QAnon, Rendon, chairwoman of the House Insurance Committee, responded, ‘That is a flag with a Q on it.'”
“As for what the ‘Q’ referenced, she replied, ‘The ‘Q’ is the highest level of security in the federal government… That’s what it is.’ Rendon appeared to deny the button was a direct reference to QAnon, which the Southern Poverty Law Center describes as ‘a sprawling spiderweb of right-wing internet conspiracy theories’ that ‘falsely claim the world is run by a secret cabal of pedophiles who worship Satan and are plotting against’ former President Donald Trump. The ‘Q’ in QAnon is also a reference to the ‘Q level clearance,’ a top-secret clearance level within the U.S. Department of Energy, according to the Anti-Defamation League. State Rep. Mari Manoogian, a Democrat from Birmingham, suggested on Twitter that Rendon has previously worn the button. ‘The first time I saw her wearing it on the floor of the House I was shocked,’ Manoogian posted. On Tuesday afternoon, supporters of requiring another audit of Michigan’s 2020 election held a rally on the state Capitol lawn. Rendon was among the speakers for the gathering, which drew hundreds” – Detroit News.