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artemisia1

(1,898 posts)
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 02:46 PM Apr 6

I'm not a psychologist but I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that the remaining hard-core Trump

Last edited Mon Apr 6, 2026, 03:52 PM - Edit history (1)

supporters have deep narcissistic and sociopathic traits and that their support goes beyond simply having Fox News and RW Talk Radio as their news sources. Their character is toxic and their psychology is Dark Triad.

ON EDIT: for the pedantic, please note I wrote "traits". One can have many traits of NPD and APD without meeting the full criteria for a diagnosis in the DSM. One can be equally toxic and dangerous with a collection of these traits as one who qualifies clinically for such a diagnosis. Scapegoating, a RW hallmark is a classic narcissist trait and lack of empathy defines both NPD and APD (Anti-Social Personality Disorder, formerly called psychopathy and, sometimes, sociopathy).

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I'm not a psychologist but I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that the remaining hard-core Trump (Original Post) artemisia1 Apr 6 OP
You are 100% correct. Irish_Dem Apr 6 #1
It's a cult Blue Full Moon Apr 6 #2
The problem is.... MarcoZandrini Apr 6 #32
The remaining tRump supporters are a lost cause. They will never admit they were wrong about anything. Whyisthisstillclose Apr 6 #3
They need apron strings to cling to GenThePerservering Apr 6 #4
If only we could get them - and Trump - in a room with a pitcher of Kool-Aid. Vinca Apr 6 #5
I have a magaloon brother in law who lives in AZ kimbutgar Apr 6 #6
I think that is bizarre Skittles Apr 6 #18
She doesn't want to get divorced and is braver than me. kimbutgar Apr 6 #33
sorry, I don't call that "bravery" Skittles Apr 6 #37
That "marriage" is already lost... OhioBack2Blue Apr 6 #28
Sadly you're probably right but my sister in law is committed to staying in that marriage kimbutgar Apr 6 #34
You need to do more research on symptomology of cult *followers* Fiendish Thingy Apr 6 #7
I am very well versed on narcissism and the comfort, security and sureness of a cult, political or religious, attracts artemisia1 Apr 6 #12
Only 0.5-1% of the population meet the criteria for NPD Fiendish Thingy Apr 6 #15
If you read my opening post you should have noted I wrote "TRAITS". Many have narcissistic and sociopathic artemisia1 Apr 6 #17
Dr. Bandy Lee speaks of malignant narcissism as being contagious MadameButterfly Apr 6 #41
John Dean wrote of conservatives in his book, "Conservatives Without Conscience." It's alfredo Apr 6 #24
Yes. Excellent book. Grins Apr 7 #56
Obviously you've never heard of Hermann Goring. BannonsLiver Apr 6 #14
Goring would HATE that. mr715 Apr 7 #60
... BannonsLiver Apr 7 #61
Maybe the better word is "authoritarian;" people who either like being bossed around or enjoy bossing others around. OMGWTF Apr 7 #52
I am going with a general idea PATRICK Apr 6 #8
I don't know if they are narcissists but they sure are pathetic losers who blame other people for their shitty lives. Dave Bowman Apr 6 #9
They envy liberals - who they think have it "better than them" kerry-is-my-prez Apr 6 #11
Uh, that is what narcissists do. It is called "scapegoating" and it is classic. /nt artemisia1 Apr 6 #13
Republicans tend to be into authoritarianism. Also cruelty. kerry-is-my-prez Apr 6 #10
That was a fascinating read! ShazzieB Apr 6 #20
Very interesting - Thanks for posting this! Mountain Mule Apr 6 #36
Gratuitous cruelty The Wizard Apr 6 #42
Trump scratches the racist, sexist, anti intellectual, Christo Fascist, and generationally stupid itches. Botany Apr 6 #16
The men in prison for sexual crimes (rape, sexual abuse) were the most avid Trump supporters summer_in_TX Apr 6 #49
I kinda think you're giving them too much credit. Alliepoo Apr 6 #19
Recommended. H2O Man Apr 6 #21
Thanks. Yes, they do "features" and traits even when they don't qualify for a formal diagnosis under the DSM. artemisia1 Apr 6 #25
Right. H2O Man Apr 6 #29
Looks more like a Cluster F personality disorder to me. Blumancru Apr 7 #51
As wild as it sounds orangecrush Apr 6 #22
It is no coincidence that Christian Nationalists love spanking and some even believe it should be applied to wives. artemisia1 Apr 6 #27
In the fifties and early sixties corporal punishment was widespread in my town alfredo Apr 6 #46
Basket of deplorables rustbeltvoice Apr 6 #23
YOU ARE RIGHT ON.......... popsdenver Apr 6 #26
So I know some sane MAGA Johnny2X2X Apr 6 #30
I know one too and you're right blue_jay Apr 7 #57
Typo Johnny2X2X Apr 7 #58
Correct Cosmocat Apr 8 #64
Exactly this Johnny2X2X Apr 8 #65
I totally feel your "ON EDIT" BaronChocula Apr 6 #31
Another thread i will REC a BILLION times!! bluestarone Apr 6 #35
Thanks! artemisia1 Apr 7 #59
In other words agingdem Apr 6 #38
Don't forget the influencers and media personalities that are paid handsomely to stoke it further LiberalLovinLug Apr 6 #39
Cognitive dissonance and thought disorders are The Wizard Apr 6 #40
I was thinking about cognitive dissonance as part of the variables. yellow dahlia Apr 6 #48
Amen. (I'm saying that a lot lately.) Joinfortmill Apr 6 #43
I was thinking the same thing yesterday LymphocyteLover Apr 6 #44
Right on! enigmania Apr 6 #45
I just call them . . . AverageOldGuy Apr 6 #47
Definitely! Scrivener7 Apr 7 #50
Perhaps, but... Bondor Apr 7 #53
OTOH Bondor Apr 7 #54
Trump supporters report higher levels of psychopathy, manipulativeness, callousness, and narcissism Nevilledog Apr 7 #55
I see the remainder of his hardest core followers in 3 groupings GoodRaisin Apr 8 #62
I agree tavernier Apr 8 #63
So... his supporters are the Republican party. mr715 Apr 8 #66
A lot of those are peeling away GoodRaisin Apr 8 #67
3. The remaining tRump supporters are a lost cause. They will never admit they were wrong about anything.
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 02:54 PM
Apr 6

They are as damaged and evil as he is

kimbutgar

(27,446 posts)
6. I have a magaloon brother in law who lives in AZ
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 02:59 PM
Apr 6

He is still in the cult but is not happy about the war in Iran because he had two sons who could be drafted. My sister is a liberal like her brother and said she and her husband just don’t talk politics to save their marriage.

Skittles

(172,400 posts)
18. I think that is bizarre
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 03:52 PM
Apr 6

why would anyone want to be married to someone who supports Trump

kimbutgar

(27,446 posts)
33. She doesn't want to get divorced and is braver than me.
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 04:59 PM
Apr 6

I would have kicked him to the curb years ago. He barely speaks to me when I visit because my husband and I are major liberal Democrats living in SF and my husband is very outspoken about politics and struggles to stay silent but does out of respect for his beloved younger sister. They have 3 adult kids both boys are magas and the only daughter is very liberal!

kimbutgar

(27,446 posts)
34. Sadly you're probably right but my sister in law is committed to staying in that marriage
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 05:01 PM
Apr 6

Luckily she’s a flight attendant for a major airline carrier and has mostly international routes where she’s gone 3-5 days during a trip so she does tip toe around when she’s home. I couldn’t live that way !

Fiendish Thingy

(23,708 posts)
7. You need to do more research on symptomology of cult *followers*
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 02:59 PM
Apr 6

Narcissists tend not to be followers.

I think you’d find way more instances of depression, anxiety than you would have NPD or antisocial personality disorder.

How many loyal German Nazis do you think were narcissists?

artemisia1

(1,898 posts)
12. I am very well versed on narcissism and the comfort, security and sureness of a cult, political or religious, attracts
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 03:29 PM
Apr 6

malignant narcissists as leaders and covert narcissists as followers. Cults and movements provide narcissists with the one thing they crave most -- no responsibility for their own actions and scapegoats to blame.

I am also very well versed on cults having nearly half a century of study as a result of growing up in one. Narcissism rules in cults.

Fiendish Thingy

(23,708 posts)
15. Only 0.5-1% of the population meet the criteria for NPD
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 03:36 PM
Apr 6

So I’d say it’s pretty clear most of the MAGA cult are not narcissists or sociopaths.

artemisia1

(1,898 posts)
17. If you read my opening post you should have noted I wrote "TRAITS". Many have narcissistic and sociopathic
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 03:39 PM
Apr 6

traits and are serious, unprincipled jerks without meeting the FULL criteria for either APD or NPD as outlined n the DSM. Try being around one of these people, or a group infected by them, and you will see quickly that it often does not make a difference in the harm they do when they have TRAITS of either disorder (character flaw) or if they meet ALL the criteria.

Please do some research.

MadameButterfly

(4,124 posts)
41. Dr. Bandy Lee speaks of malignant narcissism as being contagious
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 05:13 PM
Apr 6

That is, the people around one take on the traits of the malignant narcissist. When the malignant narcissist is removed, people tend to go back to normal. (Normal not necessarily being nice, but not a personality disorder). That is consistent with what you are describing.

alfredo

(60,319 posts)
24. John Dean wrote of conservatives in his book, "Conservatives Without Conscience." It's
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 04:18 PM
Apr 6

Well researched and compelling. He stated his case like a lawyer,

Grins

(9,499 posts)
56. Yes. Excellent book.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:28 PM
Apr 7

In just the first pages he describes what Conservatives have become, or have been led to. One of the best parts for me was the 30-years of research by professor Paul Altemeyer on conservatives. That was terrific. And eye-opening.

OMGWTF

(5,189 posts)
52. Maybe the better word is "authoritarian;" people who either like being bossed around or enjoy bossing others around.
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 01:45 PM
Apr 7

PATRICK

(12,407 posts)
8. I am going with a general idea
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 02:59 PM
Apr 6

That deep resentment, life harm, of any origin at all, can be directed and targeted- most easily against a "Them" who ironically are not threatening or causative as the authoritative figures plainly responsible. Maybe it is why people eat suicidal amounts of junk, smoke, drink, do dumb things that "we" all do, fall for obvious AI slop, hate "better" people more than well defined evil. Self destruction takes a joyful detour that seems to buy a bit of satisfaction and time against the onslaught of real world consequences. That terrible satisfaction only the resentful can savor and not be branded insane- though they are.

In troubled times, people vote "right wing" and "strong man&quot Check your Bible Christians) so reliably that the ones causing it take it as a preferable strategy. "Kill THEM all and let God sort them out!" Indeed. They stand outside their own fate, like diehard fans of a doomed sports team. Fans can be obnoxious.

Dave Bowman

(7,337 posts)
9. I don't know if they are narcissists but they sure are pathetic losers who blame other people for their shitty lives.
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 03:13 PM
Apr 6

kerry-is-my-prez

(10,310 posts)
10. Republicans tend to be into authoritarianism. Also cruelty.
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 03:19 PM
Apr 6

Trump Supporters Report Having Higher Levels of Psychopathy, Manipulativeness, Callousness, and Narcissism

A study found that Trump supporters report enjoying the pain of others, lacking empathy and having higher levels of psychopathy, manipulativeness, callousness, and narcissism.
SARAH JONES
JUL 24, 2025

https://www.thedailypoliticususa.com/p/trump-supporters-report-having-higher?open=false

Trump supporters report enjoying the pain of others, lacking empathy and having higher levels of psychopathy, manipulativeness, callousness, and narcissism, according to a new psychological study based on two large surveys of U.S. adults.
The Journal of Research in Personality reportedthat psychopathic traits and malevolent disposition predicted an increase in conservative political ideology, whereas a benevolent disposition predicted decreased conservative ideology, which is to sway more liberal ideology.
Conservative ideology was represented “by symbolic and operational ideology and positive view of Trump.”
The study found “psychopathic traits and malevolent disposition predicted increased conservative political ideology,” whereas “Benevolent disposition predicted decreased conservative ideology--i.e., more liberal ideology”.

-snip-

ShazzieB

(22,779 posts)
20. That was a fascinating read!
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 03:57 PM
Apr 6

Everything in that article dovetails with what artemisia1 said in the o.p. I am now convinced!

Botany

(77,682 posts)
16. Trump scratches the racist, sexist, anti intellectual, Christo Fascist, and generationally stupid itches.
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 03:37 PM
Apr 6

So especially the poorer ones who are willing to vote against their own best interests.

If you can convince the lowest white man he’s better than the best colored man, he won’t notice you’re picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he’ll empty his pockets for you. - Lyndon Johnson

summer_in_TX

(4,228 posts)
49. The men in prison for sexual crimes (rape, sexual abuse) were the most avid Trump supporters
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 11:24 PM
Apr 6

of the inmate population, crowding around the TV when he was on according to Christopher Armitage (The Existentialist Republic) who spent some years as a prison guard after getting out of the military. This was before and during Trump's first term. He deduced they recognized their own proclivities in Trump.

Alliepoo

(2,840 posts)
19. I kinda think you're giving them too much credit.
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 03:56 PM
Apr 6

I’d say they lean more toward pig stupid (no offense to pigs) stubborn and full of hate for what they consider different. And that is everything besides white, straight, “Christian” whatever. They certainly are a lost cause, though.

H2O Man

(79,185 posts)
21. Recommended.
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 03:59 PM
Apr 6

The majority of today's maga cult have features from Cluster B personality disorders.

artemisia1

(1,898 posts)
25. Thanks. Yes, they do "features" and traits even when they don't qualify for a formal diagnosis under the DSM.
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 04:24 PM
Apr 6

H2O Man

(79,185 posts)
29. Right.
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 04:34 PM
Apr 6

Quite a few of them that I am familiar with are rather easy to diagnose. Hopefully I shall never encounter the rest. Yet Cluster B offers a full buffet of features that respond to the rantings of the convicted sex offender/felon in the White House.

orangecrush

(30,761 posts)
22. As wild as it sounds
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 04:01 PM
Apr 6

I read that the MAGA cult is actually a sexual fetish, heavy overtones of sadism.

artemisia1

(1,898 posts)
27. It is no coincidence that Christian Nationalists love spanking and some even believe it should be applied to wives.
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 04:28 PM
Apr 6

There is, imo, an undertone of sexual sadism in this. In a much harsher age, late-1800's to early-1900's, some studies I read years ago said that 80% of corporal punishment was applied to boys. Modern
Christian Fundies love spanking teenage girls and the statistics are not the same as in a century or so ago because there is a sexual sadism, imo, component involved. It is neither "love" nor discipline, it male-fetishing and power-tripping.

alfredo

(60,319 posts)
46. In the fifties and early sixties corporal punishment was widespread in my town
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 05:34 PM
Apr 6

I got beat so many times by teachers. I would come home from school covered in bruises. Dad saw them and said I deserved them. The beating weren’t just on the buttocks, back and front on my thighs were also beaten. Sometime a rod was taken to the bottom of my bare feet. I was hung by my thumbs. I knew to hook my thumb over my index fingers when being hung. I was beaten lightly on my thighs until I could not stand. Some of the teachers were former POWs and applied their captors’ methods on us. I was part of those singled out for harsh punishment. We were all from poor families from a harsh Christian community in Kentucky.

popsdenver

(2,483 posts)
26. YOU ARE RIGHT ON..........
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 04:26 PM
Apr 6

They are a cult at this point.......Brainwashed (Literally) By only listening to Fox news, and right wing radio and grew up warped by Rush Limbaugh.

But the Republicans have intentionally, over the past 25 years, solicited large groups......Evangelical Christians, the un-educated, but mostly Racists of every different group, but especially Blacks and Mexicans. AND don't leave out their Sexism of ALL women.

Johnny2X2X

(24,356 posts)
30. So I know some sane MAGA
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 04:38 PM
Apr 6

Last edited Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:57 PM - Edit history (1)

They hate the way Trump acts and how cruel he is to everyone, but they just buy the idea he's getting "so much done." They just excuse the way he acts as immature and say don't take everything he says seriously.

Here's a warning though, the Republicans who have turned against him will still vote GOP in 2026 and 2028 because the media will convince them because the Democrat wants rights for LGTBQ folk that they will force their children to have sex changes.

Johnny2X2X

(24,356 posts)
58. Typo
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:59 PM
Apr 7

These people have been completely triggered by Trans rights. They will pretend they don't really care, but when it's brought up it instantly becomes their only issue.

They are convinced some kid somewhere playing in sports is a threat to the existence of the universe.

Cosmocat

(15,456 posts)
64. Correct
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 04:27 AM
Apr 8

Their touchstone is the evil liberal boogyman.

They centered their existence on that long before DT coopted the hate cult.

It might be rudderless firca while, but once someone starts to get traction like DT did they will get on his train the way they did because whoever the D potus candidate is, and there literally one one they would accept, will be "they had to pick the only person who is worse than Biden or Kamala.

Johnny2X2X

(24,356 posts)
65. Exactly this
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 08:30 AM
Apr 8

"they had to pick the only person who is worse than Biden or Kamala."

No matter who the Dems select, that will be the moderate Republicans' responses. Because they will be manipulated by the media into thinking Gavin Newsom or any other moderate the Dems put forth is some woke extremist.

BaronChocula

(4,671 posts)
31. I totally feel your "ON EDIT"
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 04:48 PM
Apr 6

Some things get read so narrowly here at times.

And you're 100% on target.

agingdem

(8,940 posts)
38. In other words
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 05:05 PM
Apr 6

Trump and his hardcore supporters are united in their hate for "the other" and their visceral need to inflict pain on their perceived enemies...yes, that is sociopathic/psychotic but not really a surprise considering Trump appeals to the most emotionally corrupt among us..



The Wizard

(13,821 posts)
40. Cognitive dissonance and thought disorders are
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 05:11 PM
Apr 6

covered by Obamacare. Help is there if they want it.

yellow dahlia

(6,334 posts)
48. I was thinking about cognitive dissonance as part of the variables.
Mon Apr 6, 2026, 08:07 PM
Apr 6

The RW media provides the affirmation they seek.

Bondor

(70 posts)
53. Perhaps, but...
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:09 PM
Apr 7

While I share your offense and disgust with the folks who enable brutality and ongoing deceit and corruption, I keep remembering the impact of our fragmented media ecosystem -- those who watch fox news and similar sources experience a wholly different "reality" that justifies this horrible behavior. If we do not find a way to reestablish and enforce a single objective criterion for truth we will continue to face segments of the population who are manipulated and lied to so they support bad stuff.

Bondor

(70 posts)
54. OTOH
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 02:21 PM
Apr 7

The Jones article in the daily, reporting higher levels of dark triad traits among conservatives, is compelling.

GoodRaisin

(10,997 posts)
62. I see the remainder of his hardest core followers in 3 groupings
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 02:23 AM
Apr 8

1. The greedy rich who don’t care about anything but their tax breaks.

2. Fanatical Christians anxiously waiting in their flying shoes to rapture away.

3. Old white racists who will support Krasnov come hell or high water, or until he steals their social security.

tavernier

(14,488 posts)
63. I agree
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 04:04 AM
Apr 8

But will add #4 - Die hard republicans whose only reason for living is to own the damn liberals.

GoodRaisin

(10,997 posts)
67. A lot of those are peeling away
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 04:11 PM
Apr 8

Those who feel they were lied to and less likely to come out and vote in the next election. Particularly young voters who expected “lower prices”.



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