Soon after news broke that Donald Trump had been indicted by a federal grand jury, the former president released a video in his defense. It is crucial for his supporters to recognize the reality of his situation and break free from the cult-like mentality that surrounds him. Trump’s claims and the subsequent reactions from his followers highlight the three-tier hierarchy of sycophantic defenders that exists within his base.
The first tier consists of Trump’s base, a community of millions of Americans who unquestioningly accept his assertions. These individuals have been with him since his 2015 campaign and have remained steadfast in their belief in his rhetoric. They are deeply invested in the narrative that Trump is a victim of a vast conspiracy involving government officials and the media.
The second tier includes opportunistic politicians and right-wing media voices who seek to exploit Trump’s base for their own gain. While many in this group are aware of Trump’s dishonesty, they understand that catering to his base can reap economic and political rewards. They are willing to go along with his falsehoods to secure the support of his loyal followers.
The third tier consists of individuals who try to repurpose Trump’s claims for their own purposes while still maintaining some semblance of credibility. They reshape his arguments to suit their own agendas, tapping into Trump’s support base without explicitly endorsing his false claims. By doing so, they align themselves with the prevailing narrative agreed upon by the first and second tiers.
An example of how these tiers functioned can be seen in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. Trump convinced a segment of his base that the election had been stolen. Opportunists, such as the organizers of the “Stop the Steal” movement and certain members of Congress, latched onto this narrative for personal gain. Others reshaped Trump’s argument, suggesting that the election was simply rigged against him. These layers of support continue to prop up Trump’s influence and political viability.
Trump’s recent video statement following the federal indictment exemplifies his appeal to the base. He asserts his innocence and mentions the Mueller investigation, trying to reinforce the belief that he is the target of a political witch hunt. He also emphasizes his popular vote count, appealing to his base’s perception of his popularity. Many prominent voices in right-wing media and politics rushed to defend him, while others cautiously distanced themselves from the indictment but refrained from siding with the Department of Justice or the Biden administration.
This hierarchical pattern is not new and is essential to Trump’s survival. If his base were to turn against him, the second-tier opportunists would lose their power, leading to a collapse of the system. Trump understands this, which is why he disregards legal advice and speaks directly to his supporters. His statements serve to send signals and reinforce the support structure that sustains his political viability.
It is crucial for Trump’s supporters to recognize that he is no longer the president but a regular citizen facing serious legal charges. They need to disengage from the cult-like devotion and critically evaluate the falsehoods and exaggerations presented by Trump and his defenders. Blindly accepting his claims is surrendering individual autonomy and rationality.
The federal indictment against Trump should serve as a wake-up call. It is not part of a conspiracy but a result of a thorough investigation by federal prosecutors. Supporters must allow the legal process to unfold and refrain from blindly following Trump’s narrative. Breaking free from the grip of his cult of personality requires seeking professional help, reevaluating beliefs, and reclaiming individual agency and critical thinking.
In conclusion, Trump’s indictment should prompt his supporters to reassess their allegiance. The three-tier hierarchy of sycophantic defenders surrounding Trump reinforces his false claims and sustains his political viability. By recognizing the reality of his situation and rejecting the cult-like mentality, supporters can regain their autonomy and engage in rational discourse. It is time to break free from the grip of Trump’s cult and prioritize truth, justice, and the well-being of the nation.
