On November 1, 2020, I shared a thought on my personal Facebook page: “I am, deep in my gut, genuinely scared.”
This sentiment arose after an unnerving encounter during my afternoon jog. A massive pickup truck zoomed by, decorated with two flags – one American, the other emblazoned with Trump’s name. The vehicle likely returned from a local Trump parade, and as it passed, I felt a tightness in my chest. Those flags, displayed side-by-side, seemed to equate a deeply controversial figure with patriotism. It was two days before the election, and the anxiety was palpable.
I knew many Americans recognized Trump for who he truly is. Yet, we had felt the same in 2016, when he won the presidency despite losing the popular vote by 2.8 million. The thought of the American people’s will being thwarted again by an outdated electoral system was terrifying. Conversely, I feared the scenario in which Trump would lose, having made it clear he would not accept defeat. He had repeated this rhetoric in 2016 and maintained it through the 2020 election, refusing to acknowledge Biden’s victory as the results became evident.
However, my anxiety does not stem from Trump alone. He is merely one self-serving individual, devoid of conscience, who spins lies for personal gain. The real source of my dread lies in the supporters who rally around him.
Are we really this gullible as a nation? Even with our educational system slipping in comparison to other developed countries, can we truly overlook the obvious? I can watch Trump speak for just a minute and recognize his self-serving motives. It’s astonishing that millions fail to see through his facade.
All one needs to do is observe the dynamic between Trump and his audience. Notice how he pauses, gauging their reactions, and how he crafts his words to incite adoration or animosity. His speeches are calculated performances, designed to evoke emotion while allowing him to sidestep accountability.
It frightens me that many seem entranced by him. Trump thrives on the devotion of his supporters, who would sever ties with family members to prove their loyalty. He relishes in their willingness to turn against their own party at his behest. This blind allegiance is unsettling; these followers seem to have surrendered their capacity for critical thinking.
Take, for instance, Trump’s claims of election fraud. He offers no real evidence, yet his followers accept his assertions without question. They believe his vague references to proof, even when he presents nothing concrete. The grand scheme of fraud he suggests would require extensive coordination and undeniable evidence, which simply does not exist.
Trump’s fabrications surrounding COVID-19 have led to countless unnecessary deaths and tarnished the United States’ reputation on the global stage. His supporters consume his lies, not seeking truth but affirming their loyalty to him. I often wonder how different the public response to George Floyd’s murder might have been if we had a president who actively condemned such acts and recognized systemic racism.
The events at the Capitol last week crystallized my fears. The lack of security was shocking, especially given the clear indications that Trump supporters were agitated and ready for confrontation. Former Capitol Police Chief Alex Baker had requested additional security, but his calls were ignored. Those in positions of power presumed everything would proceed smoothly because the approaching crowd was “their people.”
This reveals a troubling shift in allegiance, with loyalty moving away from the country and toward Trump himself. These individuals are no longer simply Republicans; they are Trump loyalists, willing to turn on anyone who questions him.
In the aftermath of the Capitol unrest, my concerns only deepen. The fervent devotion to Trump overshadows traditional party lines, and this unwavering loyalty is precisely what he craves.
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