Jade Helm 15 refers to a real-world United States military training exercise conducted in 2015 across several southwestern states. Almost immediately after its announcement, the exercise became the subject of intense conspiracy theories, with many internet users claiming it was a cover for a secret implementation of martial law, the seizure of firearms, or the transformation of closed Walmarts into FEMA camps. The meme evolved from genuine paranoia into a satirical tool used to mock overly elaborate conspiracy theories or excessive government skepticism. Today, Jade Helm 15 is remembered as a landmark moment in digital misinformation and political internet culture, often used to humorously highlight how quickly rumors can spiral out of control online.