What psychological factors make people overlook Trump's character flaws

[Lee65]

Psychological Factors That Lead People to Overlook Trump’s Character Flaws

Several well-established psychological mechanisms help explain why many people are willing to overlook or rationalize Donald Trump’s character flaws, including dishonesty, aggression, and lack of empathy.

1. Identification with Power and Strength

• Many supporters are drawn to Trump’s display of power and self-confidence, often as a way to compensate for their own inner feelings of weakness or inadequacy. By aligning with a figure who appears strong and unburdened by self-doubt, they experience a vicarious sense of empowerment and relief from their own inner conflicts2.

• This identification with a "strongman" serves as psychological proof to themselves that they are not weak, making loyalty to Trump feel like an expression of personal strength2.

2. The Halo Effect

• The "halo effect" is a cognitive bias where admiration for one trait (such as perceived toughness or effectiveness) leads people to assume the person also possesses other positive traits, even in the face of evidence to the contrary. For example, Trump's reputation as a "tough guy who gets things done" can overshadow his negative qualities, causing supporters to discount or rationalize his flaws3.

3. Defense Mechanisms and Escapism

• Psychological defenses such as denial, projection, and rationalization play a role. Supporters may deny or minimize Trump's flaws to protect their own self-image or worldview. By projecting their frustrations and grievances onto Trump's enemies, they avoid confronting uncomfortable truths about themselves or their circumstances25.

• Trump’s rhetoric often frames his followers as righteous victims, which allows them to externalize blame and avoid personal responsibility for their own challenges2.

4. Normalization and Cognitive Dissonance

• Repeated exposure to Trump’s behavior leads to a normalization effect, where initially shocking or unacceptable actions become more tolerated over time. This cognitive adaptation helps reduce the discomfort of supporting someone whose actions might otherwise conflict with personal or societal values7.

• Supporters resolve cognitive dissonance-the mental discomfort of holding conflicting beliefs-by justifying or minimizing Trump’s negative behaviors, especially if they believe he advances their interests or values27.

5. Attraction to Authoritarian Traits

• Some psychological research suggests that individuals with a preference for order, authority, and clear in-group/out-group distinctions are more likely to support leaders who display authoritarian or narcissistic traits, even if those traits include dishonesty or aggression6.

6. Trauma and Emotional Resonance

• Many people who have experienced trauma or feel aggrieved may unconsciously resonate with Trump’s grandiosity, defiance, and reality-denial, mistaking these traits for strength or security. This can lead to misperceptions, such as viewing manipulation as political savvy or selfishness as economic wisdom5.

Summary Table: Key Psychological Factors

Factor	Description
Identification with Power	Followers feel empowered by aligning with a strong, assertive leader
Halo Effect	Admiration for one trait overshadows awareness of flaws
Defense Mechanisms	Denial, projection, and rationalization protect self-image
Normalization/Cognitive Dissonance	Repeated exposure and justification reduce discomfort
Attraction to Authoritarianism	Preference for order and authority leads to support for strongman traits
Emotional Resonance/Trauma	Shared feelings of grievance or trauma foster emotional connection

These intertwined psychological factors help explain why many people are willing to overlook or rationalize Donald Trump’s character flaws, focusing instead on the traits or narratives that resonate most with their psychological needs and worldview2357.

Citations:

1. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/06/the-mind-of-donald-trump/480771/
2. https://whywesuffer.com/why-people-support-donald-trump/
3. https://www.thebrink.me/why-do-we-give-bad-men-power-2/
4. https://evonomics.com/lakoff-no-one-knows-why-he-is-winning/
5. https://drgabormate.com/trump-clinton-trauma/
6. https://academic.oup.com/isq/article/66/1/sqab083/6400442
7. https://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2017/1/10/14220790/normalization-trump-psychology-cognitive-science
8. https://www.voterstudygroup.org/publication/the-five-types-trump-voters
9. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskALiberal/comments/1edmsg8/how_has_trump_so_effectively_brainwashed_millions/

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Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share

[MalcolmB]

I put it down to a poor education system in America, too many god botherers and bible bashers that will believe anything, a culture of conspiracy theories and a population that is not the brightest. 

[Bannoi]

Or you could just say people want to believe his lies

[EVENKEEL]

4 yrs. of Biden did the trick. 

[Eloquent pilgrim]

 

More fodder for the extreme left-wing bedwetters that can’t get over an election; utter garbage.

[atpeace]

I voted for Hillary over Trump but that is when I had respect for the democratic party.  What strike me is odd is how democrats are still focussing on Trump's character flaws and rarely listen to what people like myself are telling them.   For example, I am perfectly capable of making a decision  of what content I should consume and make judgements on that content.   I with many other Americans, value the freedom of personal choice.

 

The Democrat party has become a party with a major superiority complex. 

[fredwiggy]

58 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

I put it down to a poor education system in America, too many god botherers and bible bashers that will believe anything, a culture of conspiracy theories and a population that is not the brightest. 

How much time have you actually spent in the US, as it seems you know very little? Americans aren't naive like you think. Some voted for Trump because of the things listed above. The other side was weak and , like so many presidents before, did not do as much as they could have with so much power. The US actually has a very good education system, but again, if you never lived there, you couldn't know this. God botherers?

[Hummin]

1 hour ago, Lee65 said:

Psychological Factors That Lead People to Overlook Trump’s Character Flaws

Several well-established psychological mechanisms help explain why many people are willing to overlook or rationalize Donald Trump’s character flaws, including dishonesty, aggression, and lack of empathy.

1. Identification with Power and Strength

• Many supporters are drawn to Trump’s display of power and self-confidence, often as a way to compensate for their own inner feelings of weakness or inadequacy. By aligning with a figure who appears strong and unburdened by self-doubt, they experience a vicarious sense of empowerment and relief from their own inner conflicts2.

• This identification with a "strongman" serves as psychological proof to themselves that they are not weak, making loyalty to Trump feel like an expression of personal strength2.

2. The Halo Effect

• The "halo effect" is a cognitive bias where admiration for one trait (such as perceived toughness or effectiveness) leads people to assume the person also possesses other positive traits, even in the face of evidence to the contrary. For example, Trump's reputation as a "tough guy who gets things done" can overshadow his negative qualities, causing supporters to discount or rationalize his flaws3.

3. Defense Mechanisms and Escapism

• Psychological defenses such as denial, projection, and rationalization play a role. Supporters may deny or minimize Trump's flaws to protect their own self-image or worldview. By projecting their frustrations and grievances onto Trump's enemies, they avoid confronting uncomfortable truths about themselves or their circumstances25.

• Trump’s rhetoric often frames his followers as righteous victims, which allows them to externalize blame and avoid personal responsibility for their own challenges2.

4. Normalization and Cognitive Dissonance

• Repeated exposure to Trump’s behavior leads to a normalization effect, where initially shocking or unacceptable actions become more tolerated over time. This cognitive adaptation helps reduce the discomfort of supporting someone whose actions might otherwise conflict with personal or societal values7.

• Supporters resolve cognitive dissonance-the mental discomfort of holding conflicting beliefs-by justifying or minimizing Trump’s negative behaviors, especially if they believe he advances their interests or values27.

5. Attraction to Authoritarian Traits

• Some psychological research suggests that individuals with a preference for order, authority, and clear in-group/out-group distinctions are more likely to support leaders who display authoritarian or narcissistic traits, even if those traits include dishonesty or aggression6.

6. Trauma and Emotional Resonance

• Many people who have experienced trauma or feel aggrieved may unconsciously resonate with Trump’s grandiosity, defiance, and reality-denial, mistaking these traits for strength or security. This can lead to misperceptions, such as viewing manipulation as political savvy or selfishness as economic wisdom5.

Summary Table: Key Psychological Factors

Factor	Description
Identification with Power	Followers feel empowered by aligning with a strong, assertive leader
Halo Effect	Admiration for one trait overshadows awareness of flaws
Defense Mechanisms	Denial, projection, and rationalization protect self-image
Normalization/Cognitive Dissonance	Repeated exposure and justification reduce discomfort
Attraction to Authoritarianism	Preference for order and authority leads to support for strongman traits
Emotional Resonance/Trauma	Shared feelings of grievance or trauma foster emotional connection

These intertwined psychological factors help explain why many people are willing to overlook or rationalize Donald Trump’s character flaws, focusing instead on the traits or narratives that resonate most with their psychological needs and worldview2357.

Citations:

1. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/06/the-mind-of-donald-trump/480771/
2. https://whywesuffer.com/why-people-support-donald-trump/
3. https://www.thebrink.me/why-do-we-give-bad-men-power-2/
4. https://evonomics.com/lakoff-no-one-knows-why-he-is-winning/
5. https://drgabormate.com/trump-clinton-trauma/
6. https://academic.oup.com/isq/article/66/1/sqab083/6400442
7. https://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2017/1/10/14220790/normalization-trump-psychology-cognitive-science
8. https://www.voterstudygroup.org/publication/the-five-types-trump-voters
9. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskALiberal/comments/1edmsg8/how_has_trump_so_effectively_brainwashed_millions/

---

Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share

Be careful, his clan members getting insulted like those snowflakes they despises

 

The admiration of Mob gangs, drug cartells as well Hitler Germany, Vikings, the Great Rome is genetics and also teached in to peoples mind from Kids.

 

We still cultivate Great leaders and cultures that impacted the history in many ways, with little understanding how these people managed to get in to power.

 

The worst is how Trump openly have shown his admiration for Despots and dictators, and also his admiration symbols, culture as well public show offs and wants military parades,,,, and ,,,,,,,,

 

 

People are people, and people are either stupid, shallow or single minded and can't think of the long term consequences for their country or the world. 

[Trippy]

1 hour ago, MalcolmB said:

I put it down to a poor education system in America, too many god botherers and bible bashers that will believe anything, a culture of conspiracy theories and a population that is not the brightest. 

We were smart enough to get rid of the Brits. 

[Hummin]

4 minutes ago, Trippy said:

We were smart enough to get rid of the Brits. 

Different time, and with good help from France

[FlorC]

Wasn't it Machiavelli who said : The end justifies the means.

 

Or ,Trumps enemies are mostly also my enemies.

 

So yes we can overlook some of his flaws.

[spidermike007]

I think that in the second Trump term he’s changed that very quickly. Not just by taking America’s soft power and setting it on fire in all sorts of ways, but really making these abrupt decisions that are going to kill hundreds of thousands and maybe more than a million people and he’s doing it in this incredibly arbitrary, careless way.

 

Trump is destroying the US economy one step at a time. It could be intentional. It could be diabolical. Nobody knows. He could simply be unhinged or following the dictates of a very sinister cabal. 

 

One thing is certain. He is accomplishing very little, he will NOT bring manufacturing back to America, which is stupid over priced (I am here now and inflation is raging at 20% or higher right now), he is causing alot of pain, he is losing support, destroying businesses, and consumer confidence, he does not have a coherent plan, and he is a destructive nimwit.

 

It's just not fair, don't they know who I am?

Don't they know how great I am?

Don't they know that I am the most incredible human being on the planet?

Don't they realize I'm the smartest guy in America? Don't they know how handsome I am?

 

I'm am so confused, flustered, unhappy and bitter. Call me by my name. Disaster Donald. Tornado Trump. 

[simple1]

Seems to me a factor not mentioned, lack of curiosity to find Truth i.e. Absence of Mindfulness.

[dinsdale]

What psychological factors make so many on the progressive left continually start "orange man bad" threads continuously on here. One could call it a type of disorder. There will be PhDs done on this and books written about. A definite phenonomom pushed heavily by MSM and absorbed totally by the sheeple. Let's face it although Trump might not be the most popular POTUS ever his approval rating is well ahead of the Democratic Party which has it's worst approval rating in it's history. Trump high 40's Dems low 20's.

[connda]

Op - did you actually write this?  If so, very well written and cited.    Or is this plagiarized from an undisclosed third-party. 

Former?  Kudos.   Latter?  Shame, shame, shame.  💩
Fyi, I may not particular agree with it, but we don't often see well written analyses with citations by AN members, although I will give SpiderMike007 a nod as he also does often write well-written and thought provoking things which I may not agree with, but I do take the time to read.  Anyway, just wondering. Former? Or Latter?

[GammaGlobulin]

Higher IQ.

And, Psychologically very Handsome, too.

 

[KhunLA]

We just don't care about anything in the MSM, or any media for that fact.

 

It's all click bait now 

[Trippy]

54 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Different time, and with good help from France

Yes, but it did happen, thank goodness. 

[connda]

10 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

What psychological factors make so many on the progressive left continually start "orange man bad" threads continuously on here. One could call it a type of disorder. There will be PhDs done on this and books written about. A definite phenonomom pushed heavily by MSM and absorbed totally by the sheeple. Let's face it although Trump might not be the most popular POTUS ever his approval rating is well ahead of the Democratic Party which has it's worst approval rating in it's history. Trump high 40's Dems low 20's.

Someone should write a similar analytical breakdown like the OP's, but target the really psychopathic whack-jobs who the current iteration of the Democrat Party now promotes.  I don't have it in me (in other words, I really don't care) because, honestly, most politicians are power-hungry (if not power-mad) narcissists who all tend to trend more toward Niccolò Machiavelli then say, Albert Schweitzer or Martin Luther King. Much of what the OP wrote is applicable to those in power right across the political spectrum.

[Photoguy21]

I don't believe people overlook Trumps flaws they just see that he has more positives than the opposition. You are in your post assuming that people are stupid. Some are but the majority of people are not.

[Eloquent pilgrim]

27 minutes ago, connda said:

Op - did you actually write this?

 

Of course he didn't write it himself; he just hasn't credited the source he copied and pasted it from. 

 

 

 

 

[NickyLouie]

Media and Democrats telling us this guy was mentally capable of running USA ....

 

 

[fredwiggy]

46 minutes ago, GammaGlobulin said:

Higher IQ.

And, Psychologically very Handsome, too.

 

Not IQ or handsome but a different way..............https://www.carnegie.org/our-work/article/how-do-dictatorships-survive-21st-century/

[BangkokReady]

3 hours ago, Lee65 said:

Psychological Factors That Lead People to Overlook Trump’s Character Flaws

 

Wouldn't you first need to establish what Trump's character flaws are and then that people knowingly overlook them? 

 

I.e. if you are a loony-left Trump-hater, then it's very likely that what you claim to be character flaws are merely inventions by people who wish to assassinate Trumps character because they disagree with him from an ideological viewpoint.

 

Nobody is going to take you seriously if you start with two huge unproven theories then go straight to asking questions about them as though they are undisputed fact.

[dinsdale]

1 hour ago, connda said:

Op - did you actually write this?  If so, very well written and cited.    Or is this plagiarized from an undisclosed third-party. 

Former?  Kudos.   Latter?  Shame, shame, shame.  💩

My feeling is the latter. This has AI written all over it.

[worgeordie]

They have not seen him without any clothes .....yet

 

regards Worgeordie

[rough diamond]

Just now, worgeordie said:

They have not seen him without any clothes .....yet

 

regards Worgeordie

Thanks WG!

That is my evening meal ruined!

😁

[bkk6060]

Some here must really think they are perfect. Such arrogant Judgmental stupidity cuz he is like most people they indeed have character flaws.

Clinton and Bush: still very popular

John Daly: loved

Tiger Woods: loved

Ali: loved

Elvis: loved

Can go on and on.

 

[Harrisfan]

3 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

Some here must really think they are perfect. Such arrogant Judgmental stupidity cuz he is like most people they indeed have character flaws.

Clinton and Bush: still very popular

John Daly: loved

Tiger Woods: loved

Ali: loved

Elvis: loved

Can go on and on.

 

Yes these lefties are unhinged yet act so perfect. Look at Bill Maher, Don Lemon and Racquel Maddow. The lefties on here are just poor versions of them.

[uncletiger]

Utter nonsense from a brainwashed globalist collaborator.

 

Support for Trump comes down to one thing. Game Theory. The globalist criminal syndicate has manipulated humanity for our entire lives, and we are tired of being slowly boiled into accepting their dystopian, trans human agenda.. One of 2 conditions must be true:

 

1) Trump is fighting against them for the benefit of humanity. If true, this is war, and war is never clean and perfect. And no leader is perfect either.

2) Trump is still part of the globalist criminal syndicate, but is an opposing faction. If true, then we owe it to humanity to support Trump in order to weaken the faction that has been in control for the last century. The more we keep them fighting each other, the fewer resources they have to fight us.

 

Either way, however you do the math, if you love humanity and don't want to lead people to a dystopian future of slavery and total control, you must support Trump. Either Trump helps us defeat them, or he helps us weaken both sides so we can defeat the globalists later. And if Trump appears to have flaws, it's either because it's part of the fog of the information war we're engaged in, or it is an irrelevant consequence because the other side is even worse.  Either way, Trump is the only path forward that doesn't amount to voluntary slavery.

 

This is a war. If you think people who support Trump don't understand exactly why they support Trump, you are as delusional as this idiot who wrote the article above.