Episode 10: The Trauma of Trump’s America

Donald Trump’s second term isn’t just a political disaster—it’s a psychological and institutional crisis. In this episode, we examine:

• Trump Traumatic Stress Disorder (TTSD) – how his rule is inflicting PTSD-like symptoms on millions.
• Mental health impacts – the anxiety, exhaustion, and despair triggered by his leadership.
• The neuroscience of authoritarian trauma – how Trump’s chaos is literally rewiring our brains.
• The destruction of democratic institutions – from the DOJ purge to the gutting of federal agencies.
• Project 2025: The Deep State Purge – Trump’s blueprint for absolute power.
• The MAGA effect on families, friendships, and society – how polarization has torn Americans apart.

This is more than just bad politics—it’s a public health emergency.

•  Rising rates of anxiety, depression, and political trauma disorders.
•  Mental health professionals now offering ‘Trump trauma therapy.’
• The long-term effects of living under an unstable, abusive leader.

Dr. Fiona Hill: "The Trump administration is systematically dismantling the expertise that keeps the country running. The result will be catastrophic failures."

Next Week: Episode 11 – The Unitary Executive Theory

• What is it, and why is Trump using it to justify dictatorship?
• How this legal theory could end democracy in America.

Transcript

Bella Goode  00:03

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 trauma that's been caused by living in Trump's America. Trauma caused to individuals like you and me, and trauma caused as well to our government institutions. Just like last week, there's tons to share with you. 

For many Americans, Trump's first presidency felt like a relentless, years long assault on truth, assault on democracy and national stability. His return to power is something different. It's not just a continuation of his past chaos. It's an escalation, a campaign of retribution, dismantling institutions and consolidating power in a way that is fundamentally reshaping the country. We are now witnessing a new, even darker phase of Trump's rule. What was once a chaotic experiment in anti democratic governance has become a full fledged authoritarian transformation. 

The damage isn't theoretical. It's happening in real time, from the purge of government employees to the defunding and destruction of critical agencies, from the silencing of dissent to the weaponization of federal power against political opponents. But this is not just a political crisis, it's a psychological and societal one. Millions of Americans are struggling under the weight of what some experts are calling the Trump traumatic stress disorder, TTSD, that's an interesting way to put it. A long term psychological impact of his rule. 

People are experiencing the anxiety, anger, exhaustion and helplessness that comes with living under an authoritarian government that operates by gaslighting the nation daily. I think that's what we're going through. This episode will explore the psychological toll of Trump's second term, the institutional destruction that he's inflicting and the deep lasting trauma that his rule has imposed upon the American people. We will also examine how democracy itself is being dismantled, not in the future, but right now. 

For years, psychologists and mental health experts have warned that Trump's presidency has inflicted real, measurable psychological harm on the American public. His brand of politics is not merely about policy changes or partisan disagreements. It operates by creating a state of constant instability, fear and mistrust. For me personally, I would add anger, frustration and disgust to the list. Dr Seth Norrholm, a neuroscientist and PTSD expert, has compared Trump's leadership style to that of a domestic abuser; manipulative, controlling and psychologically damaging. Under Trump's rule, Americans have been subjected to an unrelenting psychological assault of lies, chaos and fearmongering. And columnist Bill McCann describes how millions have felt the same symptoms of PTSD, hyper vigilance, anxiety, exhaustion and even physical illness. 

Here's a quote, "I thought I was fine, then one day I caught myself flinching at a news alert, feeling that the same pit in my stomach that I used to get during his first term. It's like I've been conditioned to expect something terrible every time I check my phone." And that was from anonymous in New York City. 

The psychological impact of Trump's leadership is pervasive. Mental health professionals have reported a sharp rise in anxiety related disorders, panic attacks and depressive symptoms tied directly to political stress. People actively avoid the news because they cannot emotionally handle another shocking revelation. One therapist has reported that their patients have begun limiting screen time, blocking news notifications and even cutting off conversations about politics just to maintain their mental health. 

Friendships and family relationships have collapsed over political divisions. Studies show that political polarization has led to record levels of family estrangement, with many Americans ceasing communication with Trump supporting relatives. Count me amongst them. Many have lost trust in the government institutions, believing that nothing can stop Trump's abuses of power. 

A 2024 Pew Research study found that 74% of Americans feel that democracy is in crisis, with many convinced that their votes no longer matter. Clinical psychologists have begun treating an increasing number of patients suffering from what they call political trauma, a state of chronic stress and anxiety linked to political instability. According to Dr Jennifer Panning a licensed clinical psychologist and author of the book The Psychology of Trumpism, Trump's behavior fosters a culture of learned helplessness, which is a psychological condition where people feel powerless to change their circumstances, leading to inaction and despair. I'll tell you, at times, that's exactly how I feel. "The feeling of waking up every day not knowing what new attack on democracy, what new lie, what new crisis is unfolding, has created a sustained state of anxiety for many Americans", Panning explained in a 2024 interview. 

So what is it that's going on in our brains, for those of us who have Trump induced trauma? What's going on in our brains? Brain imaging studies have shown that long term exposure to unpredictable threats and chaos can cause physiological changes in the brain, particularly in the areas that are associated with fear and stress regulation. The brain's fear center becomes hyperactive, while the prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thought and decision making, it gets weaker. 

This means that people under constant psychological stress, like what happens when you read the daily news, political crises, threats of violence and the institutional breakdown, well, it causes people to become more emotionally reactive, less able to process events rationally, and more prone to feelings of helplessness. Dr George Makari, a professor of psychiatry at Cornell Medical College, warns that "political trauma can function similarly to collective PTSD, where entire populations experience a shared sense of fear and stability." 

And another quote, "we've seen this in nations that have lived under authoritarian regimes where people develop symptoms of trauma, even if they're not directly harmed, the mere knowledge that their country is in a state of crisis and that their safety is in the hands of an unpredictable, vengeful leader is enough to cause severe psychological distress." Many Americans who lived through Trump's first presidency hoped the anxiety would end after his loss in 2020 but instead his relentless campaign to overturn the election the January 6 insurrection, his campaigning and his eventual return to power deepened the sense of helplessness and despair. 

Another quote, "I cannot tell you how many patients I've had who have literally cried in my office after the 2024 election", said Dr Lisa Miller, a trauma specialist in Washington DC."They told me it felt like their worst nightmare had come true. The idea that we had escaped only to be dragged back into this chaos was emotionally devastating for them." Well, what about- it's bad enough for many people, but what about the marginalized communities? I think they have it even worse. While political stress affects all of us, research shows that black, Latino, LGBTQ, immigrants and other marginalized communities, they experience a uniquely severe form of Trump induced trauma. 

Black Americans, Trump's embrace of white nationalism, refusal to condemn hate groups, his efforts to dismantle all DEI program and attacks on movements like Black Lives Matter have left many black Americans feeling that the federal government is openly hostile to their existence. According to a 2023 study from the American Psychological Association, black adults report experiencing higher levels of race related stress and anxiety under Trump, more so than any other president in recent history, that's quite an honor. 

LGBTQ Americans, Trump's repeated attempts to roll back protections for LGBTQ people, combined with his administration's endorsement of anti trans policies, have made LGBTQ Americans fearful of for their basic rights. Suicide Prevention organizations like the Trevor Project have reported an increase in crisis hotline calls from LGBTQ youth fearing for their future. "There is a direct link between government policy and the mental health of marginalized communities," said Dr Anthony Hernandez, a clinical psychologist specializing in LGBTQ mental health. When people in power tell you that your rights and existence are up for debate, it creates a sense a state of chronic fear and psychological distress. 

For women and sexual assault survivors, Trump's history of sexual assault allegations, his appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court and his repeated attacks on the Me Too movement have left many women and survivors feeling re traumatized. "As a survivor of sexual violence, seeing a man like Trump rise to power again tells me that my pain and my trauma don't matter," said Jessica M, a sexual assault survivor from Pennsylvania, "it's a daily reminder that abusers win, and that's a real, hard reality to live with." 

So many Americans, particularly those that were politically active during Trump's first term now report feeling burned out, exhausted and disillusioned. I used to call my representatives. I used to attend protests. I used to donate to causes. Now I feel like none of it matters. "No matter how much we fight, he keeps coming back", said Maria T, a former activist in Georgia. 

As mentioned earlier in this episode, the sense of utility is what psychologists call learned helplessness, a condition where repeated failures to change an outcome lead people to stop trying altogether. The danger of learned helplessness is that it benefits authoritarians by reducing opposition and political engagement. "If people believe their efforts won't make a difference, they stop resisting and that's exactly what authoritarian leaders want," explained Dr Emily Harper, who is a political psychologist at Stanford University. Many people believe- many mental health professionals are warning that Trump's presidency is not just a political crisis, it's a public health crisis. Rates of stress related illnesses, depression and political anxiety disorders are rising. 

Healthcare professionals are now advocating for new forms of therapy tailored to political trauma, recognizing that living under authoritarian rule can have long term psychological effects. "We need to treat this the way we treat any other form of chronic stress disorder. The effects of living under Trump's leadership are real, and they will not simply disappear when he leaves office", said Dr Barber. The conclusion to all of this is, thanks to Trump, we are in a fight for mental and emotional survival. 

As Trump consolidates power, the psychological impact of his rule will only intensify, recognizing the effects of political trauma, seeking support and refusing to normalize his actions are essential steps for preserving mental health and democratic resilience. One thing is clear, Americans are fighting not just for their democracy, but for their sanity. Robert Reich, the political commentator and former Secretary of Labor summed up these feelings in a recent article. Many people feel overwhelmed right now, like our democracy is turning into a dictatorship. You might feel helpless or alone, but many Americans share your concerns. The article explains that Trump is trying to make us feel small so he can gain more power. Recently, he sided with Putin in the Ukraine war and spread false claims about Ukraine and even called the- its president a dictator. 

Instead of following laws made by Congress and rules set by courts, Trump is acting like a dictator himself. Our system of government is based on the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the idea that no one should be above the law. Even if we disagree on many issues, we all agree that we must follow the rules. We have ways to change things, through voting, protesting, or even changing the laws if we need to. The main point is that Trump is attacking the very system that protects our freedom, and that is something that we all need to stand against. So with that, let's move on to trauma at the institutional level. 

So institutional trauma; sociologist John Campbell explains that while Trump's first term hurt our democratic institutions, his second term is a carefully planned attack to tear them apart completely. In his early presidency, his actions were often chaotic and reactionary. Now, however, he has learned from those mistakes. He is working step by step to reshape every part of the government so that it serves only him. As political historian David Rothkopf said, "Trump is no longer just fighting against the system, he's taking over the system. His second term is no longer about bending institutions to his will, it's about hollowing them out, weakening them permanently, and ensuring that no future administration can undo his damage." 

Let's see how this is unfolding. For example, on the Department of Justice. His purge, one of his first moves was to take control of the Department of Justice. Trump fired or moved top prosecutors who were investigating him and replaced them with loyalists. Even the January 6 rioters, once seen as a threat to democracy, were pardoned and called warriors. This change means that the DOJ no longer works to uphold the law, but instead protects Trump and punishes anyone who opposes him. Former US Attorney Barbara McQuade noted, "Trump has successfully dismantled the concept of independent law enforcement. The DOJ is now fully under his control, and its just job is no longer to uphold justice. It's to protect Trump and punish his enemies." 

Dr Tim Snyder warns, "the moment an authoritarian controls the legal system, democracy ceases to function." And that seems to be the moment we're in. Then there's also civil service purge. Another major part of his plan is the civil service purge, by reviving a rule called, I've never heard of this before, but it's called the Schedule F. Trump now has the power to fire over 50,000 government workers without cause. Schedule F reclassifies many of these employees, many federal employees, as at will workers, stripping them of traditional job protections and making them vulnerable to swift dismissal if they do not tow the administrate administration line. These workers, scientists, intelligence analysts, economists and policy experts are being replaced by people who follow his orders without question. 

His ally, Russell Vought said, "We want bureaucrats to be traumatized. We want them to be afraid to do their jobs." Without experienced experts, key agencies like FEMA or the Treasury may struggle to handle emergencies or manage the economy properly. Trump's plan goes even further by weakening entire government agencies. The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, for example, has had its budget slashed by 70% and its staff are being replaced with industry friendly officials who do not fight pollution. Similarly, USAID, which used to help people around the world has been absorbed into the State Department, and foreign aid has been cut. 

Economic Policy is also being used as a tool of revenge. Trump has openly threatened to cut funding to states and cities that do not support him. For example, he threatened to cut off funds to the state of Maine over the issue of transgender athletes, prompting governor Janet mills to respond, "I'll see you in court." She's a hero, and that's anyone who stands up to Trump. Other important safeguards, like protections against financial fraud have been removed so that banks and corporations face little oversight. 

The CFPB, which is the Consumer Financial production board headquarters has been closed and its budget has been redistributed to corporate tax cuts. Do you believe it? Former White House Ethics lawyer Richard Painter explained, "this is not about politics, this is about turning the federal government into a machine that only serves Trump's interests, no matter what the cost is to the country." Dr Fiona Hill warns "the Trump administration is systematically dismantling the expertise that keeps the country running. The result will be catastrophic failures, some of which might already be irreversible." 

As far as Congress is concerned, they have been pushed to the sidelines. Trump has used executive orders to bypass Congressional investigations and even threaten lawmakers who do not support him. Many members of his own party have been punished or forced out if they show any signs of dissent. Constitutional scholar Laurence Tribe observed, "Congress is no longer a check on the president, it's a rubber stamp or an enemy." Former GOP Congressman Adam Kinzinger added, "the Republican Party is now the Trump party. If you don't fall in line, you're out." 

You know, at the core of these actions is what Trump calls the deep state purge, coordinated by a group known as Project 2025, we've heard about them before. This plan has already created a list of 1000s of loyalists ready to fill key government positions. They have already written executive orders and new regulations that allow them to dismantle regulatory agencies, limit congressional oversight, and even you- use emergency powers against anyone who might stand in their way. Experts worry that this is building an authoritarian state piece by piece. Trump's battle with the government is not new. During his first term, he clashed repeatedly with intelligence agencies, the FBI, and career diplomats. When officials reveal that Russia interfered in the 2016 election he dismissed their findings and fired key figures like FBI Director James Comey. 

These early actions set the stage for his current plan to replace all non partisan government workers with loyal supporters, some already being tracked on an enemy's list. Here's an example of replacing civil expertise willy-nilly with just anyone. A friend of mine, who happens to be an engineer, was in a conversation recently with someone who might have been a MAGA. Anyway, when my friend expressed horror at the government's firing of 300 people from the Nuclear Security Administration, this person that she was talking to glibly remarked that "there's plenty of engineers coming out of school to replace them." So my friend pointed out that this was a highly specialized area of expertise and that they might not be easily replaced. And of course, apparently the government figured that out too. They made a mistake, and then they scrambled to rehire them. Alas, their email addresses were destroyed. I think they might still be looking for them. 

So all of these changes add up to a government that is no longer meant to serve people. Instead, it's being reshaped into a machine that works only for Trump. With the DOJ acting as personal police force, experienced civil servants being replaced, weakened agencies and a powerless Congress, the checks and balances that once protected our democracy are fading away. As political scientist, Dr Lawrence Jacobs, as he put it, "this is not a government anymore, it's an arm of Trump's political movement. The challenge now is not whether democracy can survive these moves, but how we can stop this complete transformation of our government." 

Join me next week for our continuing series on Trump. Recently, there have been more-there's been more in the press about this term called Unitary Executive Theory. Episode 11 explains what this is and why we should be concerned. I then wrap up with the series on Trump with episode 12. We'll delve a little bit more into Russell Vought, the real monster behind the orange monster, one of the key architects of project 2025, the guy who won't stop until democracy has been dismantled.

And finally, we'll look at paths forward, how to resist authoritarian rule. And quite frankly, I can't believe that we're actually even talking about this authoritarian rule. But until then, until next week, I have two requests, which 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 a community, and leave a review. If this podcast resonates with you, let me know. If it doesn't, tell me that too. I want to get it right. Should I keep going? Should I tweak the approach? Your honesty is invaluable. And follow me on Blue Sky. 

I always like to end on a light note. Here's some humor from Borowitz Date line Washington. Oh, this goes back to January, 20. Monday's inauguration will see the temperature and IQ dive into the 20s. According to official forecasts. "That figure will not be a historical low for temperature, but it will be a record low for IQ" the experts say. According to record keepers, the IQ will plummet to a level seen only during the inauguration of 2017 which notched the modern low for that metric. To stay safe amid the plunging IQ, Americans are urged to remain indoors and use caution for the next four years. 

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