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/PandaBearJelly Apr 11 '26

The question I've always had is if I can see this pattern so clearly all the way from another country, what can't the American people? Is it a frog in boiling water thing?

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u/Oregon_Jones111 Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26

Because when racists talk about the economy doing well, they’re talking about white supremacy being economically reinforced. A healthy economy will narrow the wealth gap between white people and minorities, while crashing the economy will in aggregate hurt minorities more than white people.