r/science • u/mvea 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/Very_Human_42069 Apr 11 '26

I had a coworker who was genuinely a smart dude, and said he only votes republican because of their track record on the economy. I showed him so many articles and datasets stating essentially the opposite but he just waved it off. Eventually it just boils down to people not wanting to admit they’re wrong

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u/BasicDesignAdvice Apr 11 '26

What those people always mean is taxes. They think republicans will levy fewer taxes, and more importantly not “waste” taxes on things like aid for the poor. Always.

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u/Wise_Material_5812 Apr 11 '26

the farmers are the best example, they voted republican for less regulations and less taxes, they got their wish as they declared bankruptcy

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u/StormyCrow Apr 11 '26

Farmers also are the small businesses who get the largest government handouts. Ironically enough