Destroying Trump's Cult: Strategies To Shatter Devotion

how do you desyroy trump followers faith in him

Donald Trump's followers are a diverse group, ranging from devoted fans who have fallen prey to his unreality and conspiracy theories to those who are simply uninterested or uneasy about him but remain aligned with conservative principles and the Republican Party. To destroy his followers' faith in him, one must first understand the underlying reasons for their support.

Some of the reasons for Trump's appeal include his ability to make people feel powerful and in control, his provision of a sense of belonging and community, and his resonance with those who feel abused and aggrieved by societal changes. Additionally, he offers simple solutions to complex problems, such as immigration and social issues, and encourages living in a fantasy world where existential threats like climate change are denied or trivialized.

To destroy his followers' faith, one must address these underlying factors. This can be achieved by speaking to their underlying rage and acknowledging the struggles caused by societal changes. It is essential to emphasize that Trump's false promises of protection and simplistic thinking will not solve their problems but instead lead to institutions' erosion and further hardship.

Furthermore, it is crucial to provide realistic and collaborative solutions born of compromise and hard work. This approach can help Trump's followers see beyond the illusion he has created and recognize the dangers and consequences of his reckless and divisive leadership.

Characteristics Values
Sense of omnipotence Trump makes it seem like nothing is hard, meaning it's easy to be all powerful.
Denial of painful realities Trump trivializes painful realities and threats, e.g. climate change and AI.
Universal experiences of feeling abused and aggrieved Trump allows his supporters to identify with the abuse experience, promising to whisk it away and protect his followers.
Simplistic, half-baked thinking Trump encourages immature thinking that blames others and denies personal responsibility.
Pleasure in being a provocateur Trump enjoys putting his thumb in the face of those who don't agree with him.

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Show Trump supporters that their leader is a liar

Trump supporters are living in a "dark fantasy", believing his lies and supporting him until the end. They are in thrall to his narrative and are bewildered by those who refuse to acknowledge what they are certain is true.

Trump has made tens of thousands of false or misleading claims during and after his term as President of the United States. The Washington Post's fact-checkers documented 30,573 false or misleading claims during his presidential term, an average of about 21 per day. The Toronto Star tallied 5,276 false claims from January 2017 to June 2019, an average of 6 per day. Commentators and fact-checkers have described the scale of Trump's mendacity as "unprecedented" in American politics.

  • He repeatedly claimed that the US would "build the wall and make Mexico pay for it".
  • He claimed that he had "never met [writer E. Jean] Carroll in my life" although she provided a photograph of them socialising in 1987.
  • He said that "99% of [COVID-19] cases are totally harmless".
  • He said that "children are almost, I would almost say definitely, but almost immune from this disease [COVID-19]".
  • He claimed that "the ocean is going to go down 100th of an inch within the next 400 years".
  • He claimed that "the media is dead in its current form".

Trump is conscious of the value of repetition to get his lies believed. He instructed his White House press secretary, Stephanie Grisham, to use his method of lying: "As long as you keep repeating something, it doesn't matter what you say."

How to show Trump supporters that their leader is a liar

  • Provide specific examples of Trump's lies, such as those listed above.
  • Share fact-checking articles from reputable sources that debunk Trump's false claims.
  • Point out the inconsistencies in Trump's statements over time. For example, he has both praised and criticised Fox News.
  • Highlight the negative impact of Trump's lies on people's lives, such as his downplaying of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Encourage Trump supporters to fact-check his statements themselves and to seek out a variety of news sources, rather than relying solely on right-wing media.
  • Engage in respectful dialogue with Trump supporters, asking them to provide evidence for their beliefs and presenting your own evidence to the contrary.
  • Utilise social media and other platforms to spread awareness of Trump's lies and their consequences.
  • Support independent journalism and media organisations that hold Trump accountable for his false claims.
Faith's Power: Finding Refuge in Him

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Demonstrate how Trump's policies harm his supporters

How Trump's Policies Harm His Supporters

Donald Trump's policies have harmed his supporters in a variety of ways, from economic and social issues to civil and human rights. Here are some examples:

  • Economic Harm: Trump's tax policies have largely benefited the wealthy and big corporations, while doing little for his working-class supporters. For instance, his tax cuts in 2017 were aimed at simplifying the tax code and promoting growth and investment. However, the largest cuts went to businesses and the wealthy, with plans for further cuts in corporate tax.
  • Social Issues: Trump's supporters, particularly those from the working class, have been negatively impacted by his policies (or lack thereof) regarding healthcare and education. For example, his attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and his opposition to abortion rights have left many of his supporters without adequate healthcare options and reproductive rights.
  • Civil and Human Rights: Trump's administration has actively worked to roll back progress made on civil and human rights. This includes issues such as immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equality. His infamous "Muslim ban" and his administration's support for restrictive abortion laws are just a couple of examples of how his policies have harmed the civil liberties of certain groups.
  • Pandemic Response: Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has also harmed his supporters, particularly those who are working class or part of marginalized communities. His administration's failure to provide adequate support and resources during the pandemic has resulted in increased economic hardship and healthcare disparities for these communities.
  • Environmental Issues: Trump's supporters, especially those in rural or environmentally vulnerable areas, have been negatively impacted by his administration's rollbacks of environmental protections. His focus on promoting the fossil fuel industry and denying climate change has led to increased pollution and a disregard for the health and well-being of communities affected by environmental issues.

Trump's supporters may not always recognize or acknowledge the harm his policies have caused, but the impact is undeniable. It is important to highlight these consequences and hold politicians accountable for their actions (or inactions) that affect the lives of their constituents.

Faith's Power: Let It Begin

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Highlight the cruelty of Trump's policies and how they are fuelled by rage

Trump's policies are often regarded as cruel and motivated by deep hostility. This is evident in his administration's proposed rules that would cut millions of people off food assistance and his attacks on anti-poverty programs, which result in working families having their food assistance cut and paperwork requirements increased.

Trump's cruelty is also observed in his immigration policies, where he has been accused of ethnically cleansing American children of immigrants and lying about creating a database to unite them with their families. Additionally, his supporters have cheered his mocking of Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Brett Kavanaugh, Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court, of sexual assault.

Trump's supporters find community and joy in the suffering of those they hate and fear. They cheer and laugh when he mocks and condemns others, such as when he played a video mocking trans people in the military. This behaviour is fuelled by rage and a desire for vengeance, with Trump appealing to his audience's pride by telling them they have been wronged and that he has the power to avenge them.

Trump's cruelty extends beyond politics, with numerous examples of him humiliating and insulting people, including his rivals, allies, and even his own family members. He takes pleasure in being cruel and gratuitously insulting, such as when he mocked the appearance of his rival Ted Cruz's wife or when he withdrew medical benefits from his infant nephew with cerebral palsy out of spite.

Trump's supporters are aware of his cruel streak but have become so accustomed to it that they have stopped noticing it. They enjoy his cruelty, seeing it as righteous vengeance for the wrongs they believe they have suffered.

Strategies to counter Trump's cruelty:

  • Expose the harm caused by Trump's policies and how they target the most vulnerable, such as immigrants, the poor, and marginalized groups.
  • Highlight the human cost of his policies, such as the suffering and separation of families.
  • Emphasize the hypocrisy and inconsistency of his policies, which are driven by a desire to inflict harm rather than any coherent theme or ideology.
  • Share personal stories and testimonies of those who have been directly affected by Trump's cruel policies to humanize the impact and put a face to the statistics.
  • Organize and provide support to those targeted by Trump's policies, such as trans people, folks choosing abortions, and immigrants.
  • Defend civic institutions and support insiders who silently resist and refuse to carry out Trump's cruel orders.
  • Disrupt and disobey Trump's policies through nonviolent mass disobedience tactics, such as strikes and work shutdowns.

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Appeal to their sense of empathy

It is important to note that not all Trump supporters are white supremacists. Many are simply people who feel left behind by the government and want change. They are people who feel that their concerns are not being addressed and are tired of the status quo. They are people who feel that their voices are not being heard.

Therefore, it is important to approach them with empathy and understanding. Try to see things from their perspective and understand their point of view. Listen to their concerns and acknowledge their fears. By doing so, you may be able to break down their walls and help them see things from a different light.

For example, many Trump supporters have concerns about immigration and feel that their jobs and livelihoods are being threatened by immigrants. Instead of dismissing these concerns as racist or xenophobic, try to understand where they are coming from. Acknowledge that immigration is a complex issue and that there are valid concerns on both sides. Explain that while securing borders and protecting jobs are important, it is also important to treat all people with dignity and respect, regardless of their immigration status.

Additionally, many Trump supporters feel that the government has failed to address their economic anxieties. They feel left behind by globalisation and free trade and believe that Trump's protectionist policies will help bring back jobs and improve their economic situation. While you may disagree with these policies, try to understand the underlying concerns and offer alternative solutions that address their economic anxieties while also taking into consideration the impact on others.

It is also important to remember that many Trump supporters are simply misinformed or uneducated about certain issues. They may have been exposed primarily to right-wing media or lived in communities where diverse perspectives are not encouraged. Instead of dismissing them as ignorant or close-minded, try to educate them in a respectful and compassionate manner. Provide them with factual information and alternative viewpoints, and help them understand the impact of policies on marginalised communities.

Remember, the key to appealing to their sense of empathy is to approach them with an open mind and a willingness to understand. Avoid being judgemental or condescending, and try to find common ground. Focus on the shared goal of wanting what is best for the country and its people, even if you disagree on the means to achieve it.

By appealing to their sense of empathy and showing that you care about their concerns, you may be able to plant seeds of doubt about Trump and his policies. You may not change their minds immediately, but you can start to chip away at their faith in him and open them up to alternative viewpoints.

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Show how Trump's promises are rooted in illusion

The promises made by former President Donald Trump during his 2024 re-election campaign are largely rooted in illusion. Trump's campaign promises can be categorised into four main areas: immigration, the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.

Immigration

Trump has promised to carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history, deporting all immigrants living in the country illegally. However, immigration experts believe that mass deportation efforts are unlikely to succeed due to concerns over cost and constitutionality. Trump has also pledged to end birthright citizenship, suspend refugee resettlement, and revoke the student visas of "radical anti-American and antisemitic foreigners." These promises are largely rooted in illusion, as they would face significant legal and financial challenges, and require cooperation from Congress, which is unlikely to be forthcoming.

The Economy

Trump has proposed a series of tax cuts and changes, including a "middle class, upper class, lower class, business class, big tax cut," ending taxation on Social Security, tips, and overtime pay, and reducing taxation for Americans living overseas. He has also promised to put a temporary cap on credit card interest rates, cut car insurance rates by 50%, and make interest on car loans and home generators tax-deductible. These promises are illusory, as they lack detail, are unlikely to be supported by Congress, and could have negative consequences, such as incentivising higher-income Americans to move overseas.

Social Issues

Trump has made a number of promises related to social issues, including education, healthcare, and homelessness. He has pledged to abolish the Education Department, provide universal school choice, and increase funding per pupil, while also promising to spend more per pupil than any other country in the world. He has also proposed government funding for in vitro fertilisation treatment and a tax credit for family caregivers. Additionally, Trump has vowed to ban urban camping and create "tent cities" for the homeless. These promises are largely illusory, as they are either unrealistic, lack detail, or would require significant changes to existing policies and programmes.

Foreign Policy

Trump has made several promises related to foreign policy, including ending the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours, targeting Chinese ownership of US vital infrastructure, and withdrawing from the World Health Organization. He has also promised to approve liquefied natural gas terminals in one day, issue an executive order ending offshore wind energy development, and make American energy the cheapest in the world. These promises are largely illusory, as they are either unrealistic, such as ending the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours, or contradict his previous policies, such as withdrawing from the World Health Organization.

In conclusion, Trump's campaign promises for his potential second term are largely rooted in illusion. They are often lacking in detail, unrealistic, or contradictory to his previous policies and positions. Many of his promises would also require congressional approval, which is unlikely to be forthcoming, especially given the divided government following the 2024 elections.

Frequently asked questions

It is important to acknowledge the underlying rage and yearning for protection that drive Trump followers' faith in him. They feel angry about societal changes that have left them struggling while others thrive, and they want a strongman to protect them from forces beyond their control. You can try to attune them to the warnings about Trump's abuses and violations, and the price they will pay for his "protection".

Emphasize enlightened self-interest. While Trump's psychological appeals provide temporary relief and short-term pleasure, they are rooted in illusion and won't solve problems. It takes hard work, frustration tolerance, and considerable thought to reach solid solutions born of collaboration and compromise. Help his followers see that their rage and longing for protection blind them to reality.

The key to taking effective action in a Trump world is to avoid perpetuating the autocrat's goals of fear, isolation, exhaustion and disorientation. Start by paying grave attention to your inner state, so you don't internalize the crazy-making. Then, find others you trust to meet with regularly and explore your own thinking and support each other to stay sharp and grounded.

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