The phrase references a conspiracy theory circulating online that anticipated former President Donald Trump would invoke the Insurrection Act and declare martial law on April 20th (4/20). This specific date gained traction within some online communities believing it held significance for various reasons, often linked to unrelated events or misinterpreted legal processes. The core tenet involved a belief that this action would overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
The widespread circulation of this theory highlights the prevalence of misinformation and the ease with which unfounded claims can spread through social media and online forums. It underscores the potential for such narratives to incite unrest and distrust in democratic processes. Historically, invocations of martial law in the United States have been rare and reserved for instances of extreme emergency or civil unrest, often subject to legal and constitutional challenges.
