The Many Faces of Trump Veneration

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the four major types of vigorous Trump supporters. The great majority (60%) are securitarians but many support Trump for other reasons. Some can be called “social warriors” because issues such as abortion and gay marriage are the most important to them. Some can be called tea partiers because they prioritize tax cuts, deregulation, and small government. Some are economically concerned and worry about health care, income inequality, and trade. The findings indicate that compared to other Trump venerators, social warriors are more submissive, more dogmatic, and less concerned about personal and national strength. Tea partiers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and to be willing to take aggressive political acts. The economically concerned are more likely to be bitter, angry, resentful, and unfulfilled. And securitarians are more likely to have high incomes, high political knowledge and interest, and to score low on submissiveness.