Episode 08: The Cult of Trump: Why MAGA Followers Worship Him

Trump is more than a political leader—he is the center of a cult-like movement that has transformed the Republican Party and threatens the future of American democracy.

In this episode, we explore:

• Who are MAGA followers? The different factions that make up Trump’s base.
• Why do they worship him? The psychology behind their unwavering devotion.
• The role of religion – How evangelicals have cast him as a divine savior.
• The dangers of the MAGA cult – How blind loyalty to Trump could lead to political violence.
• Will MAGA survive beyond Trump? Whether his movement will outlast him.

This is not just about one man—it is about an authoritarian movement that could reshape America long after Trump is gone.

The fight for democracy isn’t over, but it requires active resistance from those who refuse to let the country slide into authoritarianism.

The Blue Choir Speaks: Listener Reactions

• Frank: "Trump isn’t just a political figure—he’s a cult leader. That’s terrifying."
• Terry: "Evangelicals embracing Trump despite his behavior is mind-blowing. It’s beyond politics—it’s a religion.
• Carrie: "The scariest thing is how people I used to respect now believe insane conspiracy theories. It’s like they’ve been brainwashed."

Next Episode 

Episode 09: Trump's Second-Term Strategy – A Madman in Charge

• His second-term strategy: eroding democracy from within.
• Expanding presidential power to target enemies.
• How Project 2025 is laying the groundwork for an authoritarian takeover.

The war on democracy is just beginning. Don’t miss next week’s episode.

Transcript

Bella Goode  00:00

Hello everyone, and welcome to Surviving Trump. I'm Bella Goode and today we continue our six part series on Donald Trump, looking at the MAGA movement and the cult who supports him. Who are they? Why do they worship him? What's the role of religion and what's the danger factor and what comes next? 

First, though, let me digress. I've recorded six episodes so far. With each one I do I get more clarity on the direction I'm heading in. For me to do this podcast, and just as a reminder, I'm a marketer by background, not a politician or a political commentator, I need to become immersed in politics. It's an ongoing process for me to gain the knowledge and the grounding that I need to produce content for this podcast. 

I might have mentioned this in an earlier episode, but this process of learning politics has turned into like a lesson plan for a civics course. That sound very exciting? What a way to attract listeners. Hear me out, though. Imagine a civics class that helps us survive living in Trump's America. I'm not talking about boring textbook lessons. Rather, I aim to break down the confusing parts of government, the maniacal stuff that's happening, into bite sized easy pieces. The idea of a quasi civics course during Trump's second term isn't just relevant, it's essential. It should give us the critical thinking skills and context that we need to deal with today's political environment. 

Why should we do this? Because democracy isn't something that we should take for granted. If the events since January haven't spelled it out loud and clear for you, democracy has to be actively defended each and every day. So let me briefly describe what we're covering in this Trump series. Last week, we did a deep dive into his psychiatric profile. It was heady stuff. This week, as I mentioned, we will seek to understand why MAGAs worship him. 

And next week, episode nine looks at his strategy, Trump's strategy for leading the country in his second term, especially given his mental disabilities. Episode 10 focuses on the trauma that we are living in Trumps America. That'd be personal trauma and institutional trauma. And recently, there's been more in the press about Unitary Executive Theory. What is that? Episode 11 will explain what this is and why we should be concerned. I then wrap up the series with episode 12. We'll dive a bit more into Russell Vought, the real monster behind the orange monster, one of the key architects of Project 2025 the guy who will not stop until democracy has been dismantled. 

Finally, we look at paths forward and how to resist authoritarian rule, and I can't believe I actually- we actually have to think about this. I can't believe that we actually have to think about this. Just like last week, there's tons to share with you. So let's get started as if you didn't already know this, the rise of Donald Trump has not just changed the Republican Party, it's rewritten the rules of American politics. From the moment he descended the golden escalator in 2015 to announce his candidacy for his first term, Trump's presence in the political arena has dominated the national conversation like no other figure in modern history. I think he's made the Guinness Book of World Records for most newspaper headlines, even when he wasn't in the White House. His leadership is not about policy, ideology or even party loyalty; it's actually about him. More than any other US politician in recent memory, Trump has built a personality cult around himself, one that demands absolute loyalty, rejects criticism and punishes dissent. His movement, known as MAGA: Make America Great Again, has transformed from a political slogan into a full fledged authoritarian train wreck. His supporters do not just admire him, they worship him. 

For them Trump is not just a former president or a political leader, he is a warrior against the deep state, a savior fighting globalist elites, and the only man who can restore America's former glory. His lies about the election fraud, the deep state conspiracies, media corruption, are not just accepted, but they're embraced as truth by millions of MAGAs. This shift has fundamentally altered the Republican Party. It's no longer the party of Reagan style, conservatism, fiscal responsibility or even traditional values. In hindsight, these Republicans were wonderful. They were rational, mostly played by the roles, didn't split families and friends apart, but now it's the party of Trump. It rewards only fierce loyalty to him and punishes anyone who questions his authority. Well, the result is that the US is teetering on the edge of democratic collapse. 

The rise of MAGA is not just a right wing movement, it's an existential threat to American democracy. The. Real questions we must ask are, who are these people? Why do they follow Trump so blindly? How has MAGA transformed into a cult? What dangers does the cult pose, and can the US escape from the grip before it's too late? So the MAGA movement, well, it's not a monolith. Trump's supporters come from various backgrounds, but they do share a set of common grievances, fears and desires that bind them together. One of the most striking aspects of MAGA is how deeply personal it is for its followers. For them, Trump is not just a leader. He is a symbol of their own struggles, their own losses, their own anger at a country they feel has left them behind. 

Many political experts have attempted to analyze the psychology of Trump's base. Some of his supporters are from the white working class, people who feel abandoned by the political system. They've seen factories close, wages stagnate, jobs disappear. Trump's nationalist rhetoric speaks directly to their economic anxieties and make them feel heard in a way that no other politician has. Then there's the evangelical Christians, many of whom see Trump as a divinely chosen figure who will restore Christian values to America. Despite his personal moral failings, they view him as an imperfect man carrying out God's will. Another fashion consists of conspiracy theorists in the far right, from Q-Anon believers to the militia groups, many thrive on conspiracy narratives about secret plots to destroy America, and often see Trump as a warrior against dark hidden forces. 

At the same time, we have wealthy business elites who also back Trump despite his populist image. Many billionaires and corporate leaders support him because of tax cuts, deregulation and the economic policies that favor the ultra rich. They may not wear MAGA hats, but they ensure that Trump has the money and the influence to stay in power. And finally, there's a growing group of authoritarian loyalists who don't necessarily believe Trump is a moral leader, but admire his toughness, his ability to dominate, his willingness to break political norms. They don't care about democracy as much as they care about winning. Despite their different backgrounds, what unites these groups is a deep resentment towards change. They feel that America has become too diverse, too politically correct, too globalized and too progressive. They are looking for someone to turn back the clock to restore an America they believe has been lost, and Trump's message to them is clear: I will fight for you, I will destroy your enemies, I will make America great again. 

For many of his followers, that's all they needed to hear. So why exactly do they follow and worship him? Trump's followers do not support him in normal political ways. That's why we don't recognize it. They worship him with an intensity that political scientists compare to historical cults of personality. This is not just a political movement. It's a movement built on psychological loyalty, emotion and identity. Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an expert on authoritarianism, explains that Trump's leadership mirrors historical dictators and demagogues like Mussolini and Franco. His movement follows the classic signs of a cult of personality. His word is law. He is seen as a victim of evil forces, and anyone who opposes him is treated as an enemy of the state. Even when he lies, his followers believe him. When he is accused of crimes, they defend him. He has convinced them that if he falls, America falls. Trump's speeches are not just political rallies, they are religious revivals. Supporters chant his name as if it were a hymn. Some have even suggested that Trump is a divinely chosen figure sent to battle against the forces of darkness. 

At a rally in Florida, a lady by the name of Rebecca Hayes is a devoted Trump supporter. She made a stunning statement. "I truly believe God sent him. He survived an assassination attempt. That's proof, right there. No man could survive what he has unless he was meant for something greater." For people like Hayes, Trump is more than a man, he is a Messiah. That belief makes it impossible to reason with them using facts or logic. 

Political psychologist John Gartner explains that Trump has used classic cult leadership tactics for years. He repeats lies until they feel true. He demonizes outsiders, encourages his followers to cut off family and friends who don't share their beliefs. This has created a movement where loyalty to Trump is the only thing that matters. And even when Trump is caught in scandals, when he is indicted, when he is found guilty of financial fraud, when he loses elections, his supporters only grow more devoted because they believe he is being persecuted. This is not normal political behavior. It is cult like devotion, and that's why Trump is so dangerous. His followers will justify anything to keep him in power, even if it means rejecting elections, embracing political violence or destroying democracy itself. 

And that's why MAGA is more than just a political force. It's an existential threat to the country. There's another factor at play here, and that's religion. For many of Trump's followers, MAGA is not just political ideology. It's a religious experience. Trump is not seen as just a president, but he's a mashiach figure, a warrior anointed by God to save America from evil forces. Evangelical leaders have played a major role in cementing Trump as the divine leader. Franklin Graham, son of the famous preacher Billy Graham, has compared Trump's struggles to biblical trials, saying "God saved Trump from the assassin's bullet, that means he has a plan for him." Other religious leaders, like TV evangelist Hank Kunneman, described Trump's political battles as a war between good and evil. Some preachers have even gone so far as to call trump the new Moses, a leader chosen by God to deliver America from corruption. 

Many Trump supporters view his presidency in biblical terms. They believe he was chosen by God, much like King Cyrus in the Old Testament, a flawed man who nonetheless carried out Divine Will. This belief makes it impossible for many evangelical MAGA followers to accept any criticism of Trump. Of course, religion also shields Trump from accountability. One of the most remarkable aspects of Trump's support among evangelicals is how easily they forgive his behavior. Trump has been accused of multiple extramarital affairs, sexual misconduct and fraud. He has bragged about grabbing women without their consent, mocked disabled people, and he rarely attends church himself. And yet, the evangelical leaders and their followers, they don't care. They rationalize his actions by saying, all of us have sinned. They point to biblical figures like David and Paul, men who made mistakes but still served God's purpose. 

Some evangelicals are drawn to Trump, not despite his sins, but because of them. They see him as a fighter, a man who does what needs to be done. As one Trump supporter put it at a rally in Ohio, "Trump isn't perfect, but he's fighting for God's plan, and that's what matters." Because they believe he's on a divine mission, his legal troubles, his impeachments and even his lies only make them more loyal. In their eyes, every attack on Trump is an attack on Christianity itself. And here's another factor, Christian Nationalism, it's also present in the MAGA worship. MAGA is deeply tied to Christian nationalism, the belief that America was founded as a Christian nation and should be ruled by Christian laws. 

Trump has promised to bring back Christian values, and has surrounded himself with pastors who want to merge religion with government. This is extremely dangerous. It's one thing for a country to have religious beliefs. It's another thing for political movement to demand that only their version of Christianity is allowed at Trump rallies, supporters wear T shirts that say "Jesus is my Savior. Trump is my president." They believe that Democrats, immigrants, LGBTQ people and progressives are threatening the religious way of life. This fear fuels their loyalty to Trump, to them, he is the last defense against godlessness. MAGA is no longer just about politics. It is about faith. That makes it far more difficult to break. You might be wondering if this MAGA movement is dangerous. Well, most dangerous thing about MAGA is that it does not operate like a normal political movement. It does not accept facts, it does not tolerate dissent, and it will justify anything to maintain power. MAGA supporters have been trained to reject reality if it contradicts Trump's words, if he says the election was stolen. They believe even when the court's officials and evidence say otherwise, they are also willing to excuse criminal behavior in a way that is unprecedented in US history. 

No other president has been indicted for so many crimes, and yet his supporters do not care. And one of the most terrifying things about this movement is its willingness to embrace violence. January 6 was not an isolated event. It was a warning many Maga follows genuinely believe that they are fighting a war to save America. When Trump tells them to fight like hell, they take it literally. Many far right groups, such as the proud boys The Oath Keepers, have infiltrated law enforcement in the military. They see themselves as Trump's army ready to act if he gives the word political violence is no longer just a possibility, it's an expectation. If Trump is convicted of crimes or if he faces impeachment, many of his followers will not accept it. That is what makes MAGA so dangerous. It's not a political movement. It is a cult that sees Trump as their leader, truth as whatever he says, and violence as justifiable. So one of the biggest questions is whether Trump's influence will last even if he's removed from power, will it go on forever? 

Experts believe that even if Trump is gone, the authoritarian movement he has created will survive. The Republican Party has been transformed into a Trumpist, anti-democratic force. Trump's tactics, attacking the press, undermining elections, turning the government into a personal weapon, will not disappear when he does. Many Republicans like Ron DeSantis have embraced his playbook, and there's others. History shows that authoritarian movements don't just vanish. In countries like Hungary, Turkey, Russia, populist strongman have built them into movements that outlast them. Once democracy is damaged, it's very hard to restore. And MAGA will remain, even if Trump is gone, unless America actively fights against it, the movement will produce another leader, possibly even more dangerous than Trump. That brings us to this. The US is at crossroads. It can either reject authoritarianism and restore democracy, or can slide further into autocracy. 

Many political scientists now argue that America is no longer a full democracy. Some states like Florida and Texas have already adopted authoritarian policies, restricting voting rights and punishing dissent. With MAGA controlling Congress and the presidency, democracy itself could be permanently damaged. However, there is some hope. Many Americans are waking up to the dangers of Trumpism, investigations, court cases and public resistance. They can all weaken the movement. 

The key to defeating MAGA lies in holding Trump legally accountable, proving that no leader is above the law, fighting disinformation, ensuring that people have access to the facts, not propaganda, defending voting rights, making sure that elections remain free and fair, and rejecting political violence, making it clear that America will not be ruled by fear and intimidation. The fight for democracy is not over, but it does require active resistance from Americans who refuse to let the country fall into authoritarianism. The future may be uncertain, but one thing is clear, MAGA is not just a political force. It's a movement that seeks to reshape America in Trump's image. 

The question is, Will democracy survive it? I hope you will join me next week. We'll be looking at Trump's second term strategy, his moves to institutionalize political warfare, and how he plans to turn the government into a personal weapon. Until then, two requests I always make of you, leave a comment. The transcript for today's episode is available along with references and links. Start a discussion, ask questions, challenge ideas. This is your community. This is my community. Leave a review if this podcast resonates with you. Oh, let me know. If it doesn't, tell me that too. I want to get this right. Should I keep going? Should I tweak the approach? Your honesty is invaluable. And follow me on Blue Sky. 

And on that note, I leave you with some Borowitz humor, Dateline, Kyiv, The Borowitz Report: Bowing to Donald J Trump's demand, on Wednesday, Zelensky said he would call an immediate election with a condition that be held in the United States and that he be permitted to run for president. "For almost 250 years, the US has been a beacon of democracy and freedom. It should have a president who respects those ideas, and I will gladly relocate from the Ukraine to do the job." He was optimistic about his chances of defeating Trump, adding, "I've heard that Trump's approval rating is about 4% and most of that comes from Elon Musk's children." 

Until next time, stay informed, stay engaged, and most importantly, stay in the fight. This is Bella Goode, signing off.