The most unsettling aspect of Trump’s supporters is not merely their acceptance of falsehoods; it’s their immersion in a completely different reality. What seems obvious appears dubious, and what is frankly unbelievable is taken as truth. The rigor of science is dismissed, and educational institutions are perceived as biased.
I’ve engaged with several individuals from this group online to gain insight into their thought processes and information sources. In each instance, when I inquired about the origins of claims that seemed incorrect to me, they either failed to provide credible references or linked to obscure websites or memes.
One individual, a friend of a friend, asserted in a discussion that the Trump administration had accomplished “more for LGBT individuals than any other president.” As a member of the queer community, I am acutely aware of political matters affecting LGBTQ+ rights. My friend, who has a transgender child, also follows these issues closely. When I challenged this woman’s claim and asked for supporting details, she told me to “do my own research.” I explained that I had already done so, to which she suggested I “try a different search engine.” She maintained that “the media only focuses on vilifying Trump and ignores his accomplishments.” In response, I shared evidence from government websites that highlighted ongoing discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.
Afterward, I messaged my friend to determine if this woman was just a random commenter or someone she knew. My friend confirmed that this individual was familiar to her and someone she interacted with regularly.
A significant portion of our population not only refuses to accept negative information about Trump but has also constructed an entirely separate reality to sustain their admiration for him. This phenomenon is not spontaneous; it has been fueled by Trump himself, who systematically eroded public trust in the institutions we once relied upon. By making impossible promises and sowing doubt about credible information, he created a void of trust. If his followers can no longer trust established sources, who are they left to believe?
How Trump Fostered an Information Void
He initiated his campaign against journalism by labeling dissenting news outlets as “fake news” to instill doubt in his followers about the reliability of traditional media sources. As news organizations began to fact-check his statements, Trump had to undermine their credibility to maintain his supporters’ loyalty. This tactic extended even to typically favorable sources like Fox News when they began to push back against his falsehoods. In response, Trump even threatened to launch his own subscription-based news platform.
His attacks extended to the scientific community as well. Given Trump’s obsession with the stock market—often equated by his followers to the overall economy—he cast doubt on expert recommendations for strict lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, fearing the economic backlash they would bring. His followers, in turn, believed his insinuations that the virus was a fabrication aimed at undermining him.
Trump employed similar tactics regarding the electoral process, warning of widespread fraud with mail-in voting, despite a long history of its secure implementation. While his administration compiled a list of alleged voter fraud instances, a brief review reveals that these cases are minuscule and infrequent.
The only way to address an information vacuum is to fill it.
When individuals are convinced that journalism and science are part of a larger conspiracy, they become susceptible to any narrative that aligns with their beliefs. Trump’s continuous assault on trusted institutions led to an information vacuum, compelling his supporters to rely solely on him and each other for validation.
They have created their own “news sources” that align with their beliefs. As major social media platforms began labeling misinformation, they migrated to sites like Parler, where they can share unfounded claims without challenge. The cohesion among them is reminiscent of a hive mentality, ironically mirroring their accusations toward those who rely on reputable journalism.
They often say “do your own research,” yet their interpretation of research vastly differs from conventional standards. Their “research” often consists of manipulated images and misleading questions presented as evidence. When they demand, “explain to me how…” it’s less about seeking information and more about reinforcing their preconceived notions.
The frightening reality is that once someone feels they can no longer trust their reliable sources, they must seek information from alternative outlets. Without the safeguards of fact-checking and rigorous scientific inquiry, they turn to whatever confirms their existing beliefs. Admitting to being wrong is not an option; after all, Trump, as the leader of this movement, never concedes mistakes.
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Search Queries:
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Summary:
The deep-seated division in American society, particularly among Trump supporters, stems from a cultivated distrust in traditional institutions like journalism and science. This manipulation has led to the creation of an alternate reality where misinformation thrives, and individuals seek validation from sources that align with their beliefs. The challenge lies in bridging the gap and restoring faith in credible information.
Keyphrase: Alternative Reality of Trump Supporters
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