Have any "conspiracy theories" been proven true? Which ones?

Yes, several conspiracy theories that were once regarded as "conspiracy theories" have been proven true or have had elements of truth uncovered over time. Here are a few notable examples: 1. **MKUltra**: The CIA's MKUltra program involved unethical experiments on mind control and chemical interrogation methods, including the administration of LSD to unwitting subjects. This program was initially dismissed as a conspiracy theory until declassified documents revealed its existence in the 1970s. 2. **Watergate Scandal**: The Watergate break-in and subsequent cover-up by members of the Nixon administration were initially thought to be exaggerated claims or conspiracy theories. However, investigations eventually uncovered a broad range of abuses of power, leading to President Nixon's resignation in 1974. 3. **COINTELPRO**: The FBI conducted a series of covert operations aimed at surveilling and infiltrating civil rights organizations, feminist groups, and other activist movements. Initially considered a conspiracy theory, it was later revealed through documents and testimony that these tactics were part of a secretive counterintelligence program. 4. **Tuskegee Syphilis Study**: This unethical study conducted by the U.S. Public Health Service involved the observation of untreated syphilis in African American men without their informed consent. It was believed to be a conspiracy theory among communities suspicious of government intentions until it was publicly acknowledged and condemned. 5. **Operation Northwoods**: This was a proposed plan by the U.S. Department of Defense in the early 1960s to stage false-flag terrorist attacks that could be blamed on Cuba to justify military intervention. The documents detailing this plan were declassified in the late 1990s and confirmed its existence. These examples illustrate that while many conspiracy theories remain unfounded or speculative, some have indeed had elements of truth revealed over time, often through investigations and declassification of documents.