As someone who has watched countless investigative documentaries about cults, I’ve come to recognize some common patterns that define fanaticism, particularly in the leaders. Typically, the person at the helm (often a white male) is never subjected to scrutiny regarding his grandiose beliefs. If you dare to challenge a leader’s abusive conduct, you’re deemed an adversary. By the time you realize you’re entrenched in a cult-like environment, the manipulative tactics of your leader have made it nearly impossible to leave.
Over the past four years, I’ve observed the tumultuous journey of our current president, Donald J. Trump, who has taken on a role reminiscent of a cult leader. He has rallied his most devoted supporters to transform his baseless claims into bizarre chants, contribute funds under the false pretense that they’ll help him combat the fictitious “voter fraud” monster, and defend him unconditionally no matter his actions.
As Trump continues to maintain a tight grip on his followers through unwavering loyalty, the line blurs between being a staunch supporter and being part of a cult. It’s unsettling to acknowledge that some psychologists suggest our president embodies this alarming type of leadership. Rather than promoting unconventional religious ideologies or unique self-improvement philosophies, he echoes the rhetoric of dictators like Hitler through his chaotic language, divisive policies, and incitements to violence. Trump attracts his base by articulating sentiments that many harbor internally—ranging from racism and bigotry to fear-mongering and misogyny.
By voting for Donald Trump, you’ve aligned yourself with these ideologies too. It’s disheartening to think about, especially since these beliefs aren’t new. White supremacy, bigotry, and patriarchal values have been prevalent for generations. Trump merely amplifies and reflects these sentiments back at us with an unabashedly distorted lens. Yet, for some reason, many of you continue to look into that lens and only see him.
Your support for Trump—whether muted or fervent—represents your complacency and complicity. This applies to every individual who marked their ballot for him on November 3rd. A staggering 72,741,954 Americans chose to support a narcissistic, gaslighting individual this year. The rest of us who didn’t vote for him are acutely aware of your decision. We recognize what you stand for, and what you’re willing to overlook. You had the chance to vote out a corrupt leader, yet you declined. By doing so, you communicated a clear message: you either openly embrace your hate for marginalized communities or are willing to conceal it for personal gain.
Even worse, some of you may have voted for Trump based on a few policies that serve only your interests, ignoring the myriad human rights violations he has committed during his presidency.
If you’re reading this and supported our troubling president, you might not believe you’re contributing to the damage done to our country. You see the blatant racism and discrimination stemming from Trump’s agenda and struggle to reconcile your beliefs with theirs. I understand that conflict. I’ve seen it firsthand with people I care about.
However, the critical difference between a Trump voter and a Biden voter lies in action. I viewed the election as an opportunity to help steer our nation away from Trump’s toxic influence, while you did not. I recognized that voting for Biden wouldn’t eradicate racism or hate but was a necessary step to challenge the harmful legacy of a president who has caused immeasurable suffering. Unlike you, I seized that moment to reject the normalization of division and hostility.
You might be a proud supporter of Trump, but that doesn’t absolve you from responsibility for perpetuating hate and inequality. You bear culpability for turning a blind eye to the injustices he has inflicted upon various communities, from separating families at the border to banning Muslims and refugees. Your silence in the face of these actions speaks volumes.
For me, as a queer and bisexual mother, witnessing friends and family ignore the dangers of Trump’s policies has been heartbreaking. I’ve implored them to recognize the urgency of the moment and to consider the impact of their votes on marginalized communities. Yet, they still chose to support him.
FBI Director Christopher Wray has confirmed that white supremacists pose the greatest domestic terrorist threat to our nation. By voting for Trump, over 72 million Americans have implicitly endorsed this alarming reality. Even if you claim to oppose white supremacy, a vote for Trump only serves to uphold it.
Dr. Robert Jay Lifton, a notable psychohistorian, has highlighted the problematic nature of Trump’s following, pointing out that while not all his supporters are white supremacists, they often share a cult-like loyalty to him. Whether you want to accept it or not, you are part of a movement that condones violence and discrimination. The harsh truth is, Trump doesn’t care about you—he only cares about his ratings, wealth, and status.
So, I urge you—take a moment to reflect on the consequences of your support for Trump. Consider the impact on those you love who may not share your background or privilege. Engage with the uncomfortable truths about racial bias and the consequences of your political choices.
You may feel inclined to dismiss my arguments, but it’s essential to understand that human rights are not up for debate. They never have been, and they never will be, regardless of what a figure like Trump may proclaim.
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Summary:
This article explores the parallels between Trump supporters and cult membership, illustrating the complacency and complicity of those who back his divisive policies. It emphasizes the need for self-reflection among supporters regarding their beliefs and the consequences of their actions, particularly in relation to marginalized communities. The call to action encourages supporters to confront their biases and understand the broader implications of their political choices, reinforcing that human rights should never be negotiable.