By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In Minnesota, a woman named Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot by an ICE agent during a protest, an event that has ignited controversy. Trump’s administration, facing criticism for its handling of the situation, has responded by smearing Good and attempting to distort the facts, mirroring tactics used after the death of George Floyd. Critics argue this incident is part of a broader trend, citing increased ICE funding and a “deportation-industrial complex” as contributing factors. The administration’s actions, coupled with the endorsement of a revisionist history surrounding the January 6th riot, suggest a concerning disregard for truth and a further descent into political gaslighting.
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Trump is gaslighting Americans – and they are no longer buying it. It’s a compelling notion, a hopeful narrative. But the truth is, the picture is far more complex, and frankly, a bit more disheartening. It’s tempting to believe that the spell is broken, that the constant barrage of misinformation and manipulation has finally worn thin. Sadly, the reality is that a significant segment of the population, perhaps as much as a third, still clings to the beliefs, the loyalty, even when presented with irrefutable evidence.
You see it in the way people reflexively defend him, the knee-jerk reactions, the unwavering allegiance. Even when confronted with uncomfortable truths, the core beliefs remain intact. It’s a testament to the power of the gaslighting, a tactic designed to sow confusion, distort reality, and erode trust in everything except the gaslighter himself. This is the issue we are facing.
The recent events surrounding the death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis serve as a stark illustration. Trump, without hesitation, spun a narrative that fit his political agenda. He claimed she “viciously ran over” an ICE officer, a fabrication quickly contradicted by the available video evidence. This willingness to disregard facts, to present an alternate reality, is the hallmark of his gaslighting strategy. The question remains, with such obvious misinformation, why are many Americans still buying it?
The answer, unfortunately, is multifaceted. Some individuals are genuinely committed to his ideology. They have bought into the narrative of a rigged system, a corrupt media, and a deep state conspiracy. For them, Trump is the only voice they can trust, and any information that contradicts him is automatically dismissed as “fake news.” Others are simply unwilling to admit they were wrong. Supporting Trump has become a part of their identity, a tribal affiliation. To acknowledge the truth would require a painful reassessment of their own beliefs and values, a difficult process they are unwilling to undertake.
Furthermore, there is a segment of the population that seems fundamentally impervious to evidence. Whether due to a lack of critical thinking skills or a deep-seated distrust of authority, they are unable or unwilling to discern fact from fiction. For them, Trump’s pronouncements are gospel, regardless of their basis in reality. We must understand what is happening here.
This isn’t just about politics. It is about a fundamental crisis of truth. Trump’s gaslighting relies on eroding the shared reality that binds a society together. By constantly questioning the veracity of information, by promoting conspiracy theories and alternative facts, he has created an environment of distrust and confusion. This makes it impossible to have a meaningful public discourse, to hold leaders accountable, and to make informed decisions. We need to be able to talk about the lies.
The current political landscape, with its intense polarization, further exacerbates the problem. People tend to consume media that reinforces their existing beliefs, creating echo chambers where dissenting voices are silenced. This reinforces the gaslighting effect. His supporters are not hearing the truth.
But, while the situation is dire, it is not hopeless. The tide is shifting. Increasingly, people are seeing through the lies. They are recognizing the pattern of deception, the manipulative tactics, the self-serving motivations. Evidence, such as the numerous indictments and investigations into his conduct, is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. People are realizing they can’t trust what they are being told.
The fact that Trump himself seems to recognize a growing disconnect between his rhetoric and reality is telling. He recently complained about the “weaker-than-expected” popularity of his policies, a sign that even he is aware that his grip on the public is loosening. It’s important to understand the details.
Of course, it’s not all doom and gloom. The increasing number of voices speaking out against the former president, including Republicans who have distanced themselves from his more extreme positions, is encouraging. The media, while often criticized, is continuing to expose the lies and challenge the misinformation. People are recognizing the truth.
It’s time for real change. The solution is not simple. It requires a multi-pronged approach that includes media literacy education, critical thinking training, and efforts to rebuild trust in institutions and the press. It requires a willingness to engage in civil discourse, even with those who hold different beliefs. Most importantly, it requires a commitment to truth and a rejection of the gaslighting.