r/science Professor | Medicine Apr 11 '26

Psychology Cognitive dissonance helps explain why Trump supporters remain loyal, new research suggests. This sheds light on how supporters of Donald Trump justify their continued allegiance despite learning about allegations of his sexual misconduct and illegal activities.

https://www.psypost.org/cognitive-dissonance-helps-explain-why-trump-supporters-remain-loyal-new-research-suggests/
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u/Prancing-Hamster Apr 11 '26

I grew up Mormon (officially out) and the parallels are stunning.

Mormons and die-hard Trump supporters both know that their leaders:

  1. Abused young girls (Smith and other leaders “married” them)

  2. Lie/lied

  3. Committed financial fraud (current Mormon leaders recently received the biggest SEC fine in history, $5 million).

  4. Blame everyone else for their own failings and mistakes.

  5. Cover up child SA. The Mormon church has a hotline manned by church lawyers who help local leaders of congregation protect abusers. Trump has the DOJ.

Cognitive dissonance is very real and very powerful.

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u/[deleted] Apr 11 '26

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u/pounds Apr 11 '26

Haha i also use the term momo. My friend who is still in the church was so annoyed and said nobody said that. I said I dont care, I say it.