By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Donald Trump’s approval ratings have significantly declined, with Americans disapproving of his stances on key issues like the economy and immigration. Despite this, Trump is focusing on cultural issues, such as the Smithsonian’s exhibits on slavery, instead of addressing public concerns. The article questions why political and corporate figures remain hesitant to challenge Trump, given his unpopularity and the public’s differing worldview. The author argues that there is little risk in opposing Trump and that speaking out is both a morally sound and popular decision.
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The question of why anyone is afraid of Donald Trump, despite his documented unpopularity and dwindling support, seems counterintuitive at first glance. However, delving deeper, the answer reveals a complex web of factors far beyond mere public opinion.
One of the primary reasons for fear stems from the perception that larger, often sinister plans are at play, transcending the desires of the populace. Trump, unchecked and wielding control over the entire government apparatus, fosters an environment where consequences for dissent are significant. Think of it this way, Trump’s “army” includes groups like ICE, who are willing to act without hesitation. It’s not necessarily fear of Trump himself, but rather the fervor of his most devoted supporters, the ones willing to act on his commands.
Beyond the individual, the fear extends to what he represents: a shift towards a potentially autocratic regime. There’s a sense that the guardrails, checks, and balances that once kept power in check have been dismantled. With complete control over all branches of government and the potential to weaponize them against adversaries, Trump can act with impunity, without fear of reprisal. This also involves how he uses the courts. The fact that the Supreme Court has already established he can’t be held accountable for his actions, opens the door for further overreach.
Moreover, many believe that those in positions of power, particularly in corporate America, quietly support him, regardless of his public image. This implicit endorsement is further cemented by the fact that many powerful individuals have much to lose if they speak out against him. Blackmail is another significant aspect of the fear factor. Reports suggest that Trump leverages information, possibly extracted from the Epstein files, to manipulate and control wealthy individuals, politicians, and potential opponents. It’s a classic “catch and kill” strategy, executed on a global scale, with enablers positioned within his administration to control the narrative.
The fear isn’t simply about Trump; it’s about the network of influence surrounding him. MAGA supporters, a group viewed by many as a modern-day version of fascism, operate outside of established rules and norms, retaliating without restraint. This group is also made up of people who are less impacted.
This echoes a historical pattern. The unpopularity of leaders like Saddam Hussein, Papa Doc, Pol Pot, and Idi Amin, did not stop them from having their power. All of them started with a loyal base and were quite popular until their own agendas began taking precedence over the welfare of their people. The moment that the people started to take exception to this, they started cracking down, going from authoritarianism to a dictatorial regime.
The threat is compounded by the low turnout in primaries, which favors Trump. He has a dedicated “cult” of followers, seemingly willing to do anything he demands. This is also the case with the Evangelicals. Evangelicals preach hate and the cult believes they are suffering for God and as long as they make the LBGT community lose it all and die then the suffering is worth it.
The rise of an oligarchy and a potential dictatorship is another cause for concern. Trump, with his close ties to wealthy Republicans and organizations like The Heritage Foundation, is seen as actively working towards dismantling democratic institutions. This is terrifying as wasn’t the whole point of the USA to rally against dictators/kings?
The potential for violence is another major factor. Trump’s followers are known for their affinity for guns, and openly brag about their willingness to harm those who uphold the rule of law. In such an environment, where those who dissent are seen as enemies, fear of violence is justified. Those are the people that make up the cult.
Trump understands how to leverage power and image to create an army of supporters who will blindly obey. This perception of grandiosity and the benefits of proximity to power drive people to support him, regardless of morals or ethics. This also applies to those in the GOP who do not support him but know how loyal his supporters are.
However, at the same time, Democrats need to understand the working man’s needs. Focus on issues like cost of living, healthcare, and housing. While social issues are important, focusing on them alone alienates the very people they need to win over.
The fear, in essence, is not of a singular individual, but of a system where power is consolidated, dissent is punished, and the will of the people is secondary. Trump is merely the conductor of this orchestra, and while his popularity might be declining, the instruments of power remain, and the music they play is one of control.