By John Q. Hosedrinker 
During a White House meeting, President Trump referred to Somali immigrants as “garbage” and claimed they should not be in the country. He later disparaged them again, claiming they have “destroyed our country.” These remarks are consistent with his history of making racist comments, like referring to African nations and Haiti as “shithole” countries. Furthermore, he announced intentions to halt immigration from “Third World” countries and strip citizenship based on subjective criteria. The author argues that Trump’s actions, influenced by advisors like Stephen Miller, are based on a collectivist view that uses race to create a hierarchy and assign guilt to individuals based on their heritage.
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Why Doesn’t Trump Pay a Political Price for His Racism?
The answer, distilled down to its core, is quite straightforward: his base, or at least a significant portion of it, either actively embraces his racist rhetoric or is indifferent to it. It’s a sad reality, but it’s undeniable that a considerable segment of the population holds racist views, and Trump has successfully tapped into this sentiment. His words resonate with those who feel validated, emboldened, or perhaps simply enjoy the discomfort it causes those they dislike. In essence, he’s speaking their language, and they’re rewarding him for it.
The media landscape plays a crucial role in this dynamic. Decades of deregulation have led to a concentration of media ownership, often in the hands of those who are ideologically aligned with the right. This consolidation has fostered an environment where right-leaning propaganda thrives, and where critical scrutiny of Trump’s statements is often muted or framed in a way that downplays the racist undertones. Instead of diverse perspectives, the American public often receives a carefully crafted narrative that normalizes and even defends his actions. Watch the brainwashing of my dad.
It’s also essential to acknowledge that the United States has a long and complex history of racism. The conservative movement, and arguably the entire nation, has been grappling with this issue for centuries. Trump’s rise can be seen as a manifestation of these deep-seated prejudices, a voice for those who feel marginalized or threatened by changing demographics and societal shifts. His rhetoric, therefore, isn’t a liability; it’s a feature, a selling point for a segment of the population that feels their worldview is under attack.
His brand is also about exploitation and the subordination of people in general. The hierarchy is really built into their world view. The racism and misogyny is a feature, not a bug. They love that it’s a feature, not a bug. They feel safe having a grifting, criminal, rapist asshole in charge. They manifest their darker impulses and they can exist in plausible deniability that they only voted for him for economic reasons. It isn’t just the racism, it is the exploitation and subordination of people in general.
Furthermore, a significant portion of the country either misunderstands the nature of racism or actively supports it. This normalization makes it easier for Trump’s comments to be dismissed, excused, or even celebrated. The press often struggles to confront these issues head-on, sometimes falling back on euphemisms and avoiding the blunt language of “racism.” This reluctance allows racist views to persist and flourish without facing the strong societal condemnation they deserve. The press gives in to conservative whining when they say “it’s not racist.” It’s not biased to call racism *racism*.
It’s important to realize that the people who would oppose him for his racism already oppose him. He wouldn’t have even been a serious contender if not for leading the Birther conspiracy. His base is built on racism, and they are rewarded for it. The truth of the matter is that he is rewarded for it. Those already disgusted by his rhetoric have largely distanced themselves, so his racist pronouncements have limited impact on his support. He gets to manifest their darker impulses and they can exist in plausible deniability that they only voted for him for economic reasons.
Looking at it plainly, Trump has found success by appealing to voters who are already prejudiced or those who harbor latent racist beliefs. He didn’t build a movement on his own; instead, he tapped into an existing undercurrent of resentment and fear. His supporters voted for that. This is amplified by America’s history and ongoing struggles with racism. This is a country where a large majority doesn’t even really understand what racism is. He isn’t losing support due to his racism, because it’s literally what got him elected.
Ultimately, Trump’s political success is inextricably linked to his ability to speak to a racist base. They do not care about or are concerned with his racism. He’s the byproduct of political racist privilege and he uses its energy. The result is a cycle where racism is normalized, rewarded, and used as a political tool. The answer is plain and simple: his success is built on supporting racists and racism. Sadly, America decided that Donald Trump will never face consequences for his actions.