A Raging Movement Propels Trump

Washington Post: “Voters have proved far more loyal to the former president than his Republican critics hoped at the beginning of last year, allergic to criticisms of his record and behavior — including what prosecutors say is evidence of criminal wrongdoing — and rushing to his side in the face of legal jeopardy. And Trump has trounced GOP rivals offering similar policy agendas, boosted by a fervent base that treats him with singular veneration.”

“Rallygoers wait all day to see him. Supporters dismiss video evidence of his inconsistencies and echo his grievances and falsehoods. Competitors have long written off as much as a third of the GOP electorate as set on Trump and utterly unpersuadable. A majority of Republicans believe Trump’s disproven claims that he actually beat Joe Biden in 2020, and in interviews, some Trump supporters appeared unwilling to accept a loss in 2024. In Trump, many see a movement leader giving voice to their struggles and settling scores on their behalf.”

“That fealty to Trump has alarmed some in the GOP and beyond. Researchers at the University of Chicago have found that, amid sinking trust in democratic institutions, millions of Americans believe “the use of force” is justified to prevent Trump’s prosecution and to return him to the White House.”