Today is inauguration day. Last November, Trumpism won the majority of the elections. I watched the returning President’s speech. Yet, I am not critiquing it today. I jotted down these thoughts a few weeks ago. Like many people, I asked myself what the people supporting Donald Trump were doing. Were they ignorant? Were they evil? Had they been conned? The answers to these questions are all of these and none simultaneously. I listened to what Trump supporters said. And I read what they wrote and posted. Below are the common themes of Trumpism. I provided statements from the gospels to answer them.
A Rorschach Test
Many Trumpers see what they want to see in Donald Trump. The fantasy is the perception. The same problem holds for some of his detractors. Is Trump evil or stupid, in your opinion? What about the opinion of someone else you know who opposes Trump? While Rorschach tests have been debunked, it is still a good image (pun intended) of what is happening.
Jesus replies to this issue regarding Trumpism with, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31b-32)
Resentment and Trumpism
Many different resentments power authoritarian movements. Pundits like to talk about economic resentment, where people either feel they have no opportunity or work hard for no reward. Like most lies, this one has enough truth to help move it along among the population. However, most resentments in our society of the spectacle are manufactured resentment. Ever since the Civil War, white Americans have been told that black people receive more advantages from the government than whites. The same lie is told about immigrants that come over the southern border of the US. The government cares more about them than hard-working Americans.
Jesus gives a solution to this problem in his new commandment. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you, you should also love one another.” (John 13: 34)
Trump as God’s Choice
Christians who vote for Trump argue they are doing so to fulfill God’s desire to conquer all enemies of God. A challenging and strong commander-in-chief will deliver God’s people from all the evils that plague them.
Jesus replies, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:14-15)
Trumpism and the Need for an Affirming Leader
The previously mentioned elements of Trumpism lead logically to a need for an affirming leader. While many people say they want someone “to shake things up,” they abhor changes to their own lives. Clergy know this phenomenon well. Congregants often ask, through their complaints and actions, that all their comforts be preserved. Any prejudices congregants have must be maintained. Many people would rather be comforted by untrue flatteries than make difficult choices.
Jesus replies to this problem with his opening words in St. Mark’s gospel, “Repent and believe the good news.” (1:15b)
First Strike Persecution
I have written elsewhere of the persecution complex from which many American Christians suffer. During the lead-up to the second War with Iraq in 2003, there was a serious discussion about using a “pre-emptive strike” against a perceived enemy. The “just war” theory of many Christian ethicists was turned on its head in those days. It finally made me see a sense of pacifism. When people fear persecution, they feel justified in striking first against the enemy. This is the apology of insanity.
Jesus says instead, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes the sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:44-45)
Trumpism and the Rules
A true MAGA motto is “playing by the rules is for chumps.” Complete disregard of norms is the act of resentful people. Desiring to win at all costs make hollow victories. Pyrrhic victories are defeats.
Jesus teaches, “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
A Few Other Points
Trumpism is about rewarding friends and punishing enemies. It is a belief system that takes from anyone whatever is given even if under duress. Trumpism is a secular moral stance that holds we should do no good to anyone else unless we know them to be friends who will reciprocate the gesture.
Jesus teaches against these positions. “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) “Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:42)
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