The Psychological Foundations of Trump Support: Indoctrination, Cognitive Dissomone and Propaganda

Over two years after the chaos and mayhem in the White House, many are questioning why people still support President Trump, despite his overt violations of ethical and moral standards. This article delves into the psychological and ideological underpinnings that drive this support, examining the role of indoctrination, cognitive dissonance, and the long-standing establishment of propaganda networks within the Republican Party.

Indoctrination: The Strategic Foundation

Through indocrianation, a term derived from the combination of "indoctrination" and Trump-supporter mentality, the Republican Party has systematically instilled specific beliefs and behaviors in its supporters since the 1980s. This process, carefully plotted and implemented by the Koch-funded Republican National Committee, has been aimed at undermining democratic principles and promoting an anti-government, anti-democratic, theocratic coup narrative.

One pivotal factor in this indoctrination is indoctrinating young minds from infancy using a literal Old Testament interpretation as the base text. This indoctrination has been meticulously planned and carried out through homeschooling programs and targeted media campaigns, ensuring that these individuals grow up with a skewed perception of reality. The goal is to create a generation of political adherents who view democracy as anathema and are predisposed to support the overthrow of government and the establishment of a theocratic state.

Cognitive Dissomone: The Psychological Barrier

Supporters of President Trump often find themselves in a state of cognitive dissonance, a psychological condition where beliefs and actions are in conflict. This cognitive dissonance serves as a psychological barrier, preventing supporters from questioning their beliefs and potentially changing their stance.

Jennifer Albert, a researcher on ideological extremism, explains that cognitive dissonance is often experienced by individuals who hold strong beliefs but encounter conflicting information. In the context of Trump support, cognitive dissonance manifests in several ways. For example, supporters may justify Trump's unethical behavior by attributing it to external factors, such as being surrounded by untrustworthy advisors. This enables them to maintain their support while minimizing personal responsibility.

The idea of staying too long at the fair, a metaphor for not being able to leave a situation of cognitive dissonance, is particularly relevant to Trump's supporters. As the 2016 election results became clear and Trump's behavior began to unravel, many supporters refused to accept the reality, continuing to believe in the conspiracy theories and propaganda that sustained their support.

Propaganda Networks: A Legacy of Manipulation

The Republican Party has long been involved in the establishment of propaganda networks aimed at undermining democracy and promoting an extremist agenda. Since the Reagan era, these networks have grown and evolved, becoming more sophisticated and influential over time.

Michelle Goldberg's 2006 book, Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism, provides key insights into the ideological underpinnings of the Republican Party. Goldberg highlights the role of key figures like Michael Farris, a fundamentalist attorney from Virginia, who was instrumental in introducing homeschooling programs and promoting an Old Testament literal interpretation as the basis for American policy.

Jeff Sharlet's books, The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power and C Street: The Fundamentalist Threat to American Democracy, detail the manipulative strategies employed by the Republican Party and how they have radicalized over time. Sharlet exposes the role of organizations like The Family, a cult-like group, in shaping the policies and attitudes of the RNC and the most radical elements of the GOP.

The Power of Organized Propaganda

Organized propaganda networks have played a significant role in shaping public opinion and supporting Trump's candidacy and presidency. These networks, funded by organizations like the Koch Network, have been able to spread disinformation and channel resources to support their preferred candidates. Techniques such as the overuse of the word "indoctrination," the targeting of specific demographics, and the use of social media to spread misinformation have all contributed to maintaining a supportive base for Trump and his policies.

Jeff Sharlet's work also documents the role of media manipulation, highlighting how compliant media outlets have often failed to expose these propaganda efforts. This failure of the mainstream media to investigate and expose the underlying ideological motivations has allowed for the sustained support of Trump and the radicalization of the GOP.

Conclusion

The continued support for President Trump is deeply rooted in a combination of psychological and ideological factors, including indoctrination, cognitive dissonance, and the manipulation of propaganda networks. Understanding these factors is crucial for acknowledging the complexities of political support and the forces that drive extremist ideologies.

As we reflect on the past two years, it becomes clear that the root causes of support for controversial leaders extend far beyond simple personal likes or dislikes. These are broader, systematic issues that must be addressed through a combination of awareness, education, and critical thinking.