Liberal YouTubers

no_hypocrisy

(53,756 posts) Sun Nov 2, 2025, 04:23 PM Nov 2

I Was in a Cult. This Is How I Know Trump is One

Dr. Steven Hassan, world-renowned cult expert and author of The Cult of Trump, joins the Beast’s Hugh Dougherty to unravel how Trump’s movement mirrors the classic architecture of a political cult, from manufactured grievances to the online ecosystems that keep followers locked in. Then, with recent Epstein materials resurfacing, they explore the contradictions, alliances, and unexplored vulnerabilities that continue to haunt Trump and his inner circle. Together, they connect the domestic chaos to the global actors who have spent decades studying and exploiting Trump’s psychology. As the crises converge, Hugh asks the question hanging over 2025: how long can Trumpism survive when the truth keeps breaking through?

5 replies

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Highlight:

I Was in a Cult. This Is How I Know Trump is One (Original Post) no_hypocrisy Nov 2 OP

Would that he could... GiqueCee Nov 2 #1

American Cultism is easy to identify. Aussie105 Nov 2 #2

Good list PJMcK Nov 2 #3

Who will try to be the new King Trump? Eric or Donnie jr? Norrrm Nov 2 #4

They lack the so-called charisma of their father. no_hypocrisy Nov 2 #5

GiqueCee

(3,021 posts)

1. Would that he could...

Reply to no_hypocrisy (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 04:31 PM

Nov 2

... follow in the steps of his hero, Adolf, or better yet, Mussolini. This evil sonofabitch is the worst thing to happen to this country since the Civil War.

Aussie105

(7,405 posts)

2. American Cultism is easy to identify.

Reply to no_hypocrisy (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 04:41 PM

Nov 2

Features:
(A mish-mash of observations of cults featuring Charles Manson, David Koresh, Jim Jones)

1. Those inside the cult don't recognise they are part of a cult.
They recognise each other by dress - nice MAGA hats! - how they talk, and who they victimise, who they blame.

2. The cult leader often makes moves that is against the best interest of the cult members.

3. Cult members are constantly reminded of the Evil Forces lined up against them, and how the cult leader 'protects' them from those outside Devils.

4. Cult followers feel safe giving up any critical thinking and leaving that up to the cult leader, zombie like.

5. Cult followers see some sort of benefit in being part of cult. The benefit is often vague and undefinable.

6. Cults collapse if the cult leader disappears.

. . . I'm just waiting for the day Trump takes his followers to a cornfield somewhere in America, and they sit around naked waiting for the Mothership to collect them. The 'enhanced' Flavor Aid flowing freely.

(But I can't talk, I'm part of a cult. Called the Human Race. Respect your fellow humans and do no harm.)