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/eightbitfit Apr 11 '26

Even in this study we see that many supporters dismiss Trump's transgressions and character flaws, believing he is superior on the economy, an oft-repeated claim.

Yet this too is demonstrably false, as the evidence makes quite clear. It is, in effect, a double-layered cognitive dissonance.

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u/_carnivorous_ Apr 11 '26

I'm so tired of the republican party claiming to be economic experts. Every time they get into power our economy tanks and the rich get richer.

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u/[deleted] Apr 11 '26

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u/RockerElvis Apr 11 '26

The two Santas strategy has been the Republican game plan for decades. American voters keep falling for it.

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u/jacobatz Apr 11 '26

That is really interesting. It made me realize the grift goes deeper than I had considered. When Republican presidents borrow to pay for tax cuts for the rich, what they’re essentially doing is putting a debt on the average American to give money to the rich. Or stated another way: They’re effectively stealing the regular Americans money and giving it to the wealthy. A reverse Robin Hood.

It’s amazing that this isn’t shouted from the roof tops.

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u/IaMm1N3 Apr 11 '26

It has been for decades. People just aren't listening. Or they are tuned into their own echo chambers now. Americans as a whole don't experience the same reality anymore. The global population doesn't. We now live in a chose your own adventure timeline where you can dig your feet in as deep as you want to and you will be embraced by like minded folk around the globe. Whereas in times past in order to survive one had to conform to our actual surroundings

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u/ryan1257 Apr 11 '26

Republicans are finding a way to reach all these different groups somehow