Deep Dive into Trump's Devoted Followers: Their Unwavering Conviction Strengthens as They View Him as a Messiah-Like Figure
Off-the-Cuff Insights from a CPAC Extravaganza
By Dr. Alexander Hinton, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology at Rutgers University - Newark. Director, Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights.
Stepping into the Heartland of MAGA Fervor
Eager to gauge the pulse of the Trump-supporting faithful, I ventured to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland. The year was 2024, and the atmosphere buzzed with the energy of rabid supporters clinging to their hero.
The event kicked off with the usual doses of, shall we say, exaggerated truths by none other than Steve Bannon. It reached its pinnacle with an explosive performance by the man himself, Trump, three days later. The series of speakers throughout this political extravaganza shared a common thread: outrage about America's decline and their unwavering hope for Trump's triumphant return.
From corner to corner, the venue pulsed with the iconic "Make America Great Again" emblem, adorning hats, pins, and apparel. I milled about the exhibition hall, finding myself in the company of a Jan. 6 insurrection-themed pinball machine, sporting rallies like "Stop the Steal," "Political Prisoners," and "Babbitt Murder." Even a Trump-emblazoned bus was on display, where admirers had scribbled messages like "We have your back" and "You are anointed and appointed by God to be the President."
To the left, CPAC is often dismissed as a gathering of MAGA zealots fueled by extremist ideologies. However, as I discovered, the far-right movement harbors its compelling and even urgent reasons for championing Trump. They view claims of his authoritarianism as laughable and, instead, see President Joe Biden as the real threat to democracy. Here, I share my top three insights from CPAC about the current mindset of Trump supporters.
When Reagan Pales, Trump Roars
CPAC, with its conservative roots dating back to Reagan's era, has no shortage of Reagan nostalgia. The gala on the final day of the conference still goes by Reagan's name. Yet, the former president's ideas of American exceptionalism have been swept under the rug, making way for Trump's narrative of doom and salvation.
Gone are Reagan's folksy charms, replaced by rancor, fury, and malicious jabs. The eloquent quips and relative moderation have given way to unhinged anger, grievances, and spiteful barbs. Reagan's DNA is not lost entirely, but it seems that Trump's populist tale of apocalyptic decline has stolen the show.
Unraveling a Web of Madness or Method?
Critics label CPAC as a breeding ground for white nationalists, but the far-right mentality that governs the conference is not quite that simple.
Some speakers, including Trump, have been known to voice support for white nationalism and right-wing extremism, peddling the false idea of a plot to replace the white population. However, the conference also boasts a diverse lineup of speakers, including conservatives like Tulsi Gabbard, who offer a different perspective.
Overall, the event is guided by a conservative logic that champions God, family, tradition, law and order, defense, and freedom. Inflammatory language and contentious topics like anti-immigrant rhetoric and Christian nationalism often emerge, but they are not the sole defining factors of CPAC.
Trump: Savior or Zealot?
To many on the left, the adoration for Trump at CPAC is perplexing. Yet, to the diehard supporters, Trump serves as America's savior.
Supporters believe that Trump's policies have led to monumental successes, despite evidence to the contrary. Claims of securing the border, creating jobs, and repealing abortion rights have become rallying cries for CPAC enthusiasts.
Trump's speech during the conference reiterated these accomplishments, as well as the so-called "destruction" wrought by President Joe Biden. The attendees display unwavering support for Trump, dismissing the criticisms that portray him as a despotic figure. They view him as their best chance to thwart the allegedly radical-left "enemies" who seek to undermine him and his cause at every turn. Regardless of their flaws or controversies, Trump remains their consistent beacon of hope.
Originally published by The Conversation under a Creative Commons Attribution/No derivatives license.
- The conservative-leaning event, CPAC, displayed an abundance of books showcasing war-and-conflicts, social-media debates, and political policies, reflecting the attendees' interests.
- Migration discussions, particularly immigration policies and border control, were centerstage issues among CPAC speakers, fueling discussions and concerns.
- Amidst the political spectacle, entertainment took a backseat, except for the occasional pop-culture references in the speeches or celebrities' appearances.
- The CPAC attendees were deeply engaged in discussions about crime-and-justice, focusing on law enforcement, punishment, and criminal behavior.
- In the midst of continuous political discussions, general-news reports of car-accidents, local fires, and weather updates occasionally interrupted the proceedings.
- Apolitical sports, like football, were a welcomed distraction for the attendees during the breaks, even though some enthusiasts were speculating about sports-betting and NFL football statistical analysis.
- As a side attraction, a table showcased books, pins, and apparel centered around football and American football, including NFC and AFC teams, as well as NCAA football championship races.
- Unsurprisingly, the weather-forecasting app on many attendees' phones was frequently consulted to predict potential impacts on the conference schedule.9.irony] The morning after the conference, headlines of joyous sports victories and weather forecasts replaced the days of political drama, as if the whirlwind of wars, controversies, and disputes dissipated like a dream[/irony].
- Talks about sci-fi-and-fantasy and their associated ideas of justice, morality, and alternative realities were almost non-existent at the conference, save for a few instances of pop-culture references.
- Speakers' discussions about policy-and-legislation and its impact on everyday life were dominant topics, with attendees sharing their opinions and concerns on immigration, healthcare, education, and gun control.
- Lastly, as the CPAC event drew to a close, discussions of accidents and other mishaps overnight rippled through the crowd, with some debating the implications on the next day's schedule.
