By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The article contends that the actions of federal agents in Minneapolis have shattered the public’s trust in government, exemplified by the killing of a U.S. citizen, Alex Pretti, by ICE agents. This event, which the author states has been misrepresented by the Trump administration, underscores a dangerous trend of disinformation and unchecked authority. The piece highlights the contrast between the actions of the government and the principles of the Constitution. The author expresses concern that the events in Minneapolis could be a harbinger of things to come, urging a stop to the violence before it escalates.
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Trump Has Lost the Trust of the People With His ICE Lies
Trump’s credibility, particularly regarding his stance on immigration and ICE, has been severely damaged. It’s difficult to pinpoint when the trust began to erode, but for many, it started long before any specific ICE-related incident. The constant barrage of lies, exaggerations, and misinformation has made it almost impossible to believe anything he says, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like immigration enforcement. The fact is, he was never really trusted by those with a grasp on reality.
The core of the problem lies in the disconnect between reality and the narratives spun by Trump and his supporters. For many of his followers, facts seem to take a backseat to blind loyalty. They are quick to dismiss evidence, embrace conspiracy theories, and defend the indefensible, including actions by ICE. To them, Trump’s words are gospel, and any criticism is seen as an attack on their beliefs. This cognitive dissonance is a fundamental barrier to rebuilding trust.
Consider the role ICE plays in this narrative. Trump’s rhetoric paints a picture of a country overrun by dangerous criminals who are here illegally, and his solution is often portrayed as the aggressive enforcement of immigration laws. However, there’s no evidence to support the claim that Democrats are deliberately allowing violent foreign criminals to roam the streets, and that is what many of Trump’s supporters actually believe. Any reasonable defense of ICE’s mission in this context becomes impossible, because it’s rooted in a fundamental misrepresentation of reality. The idea that ICE is simply trying to deport everyone here without legal status is also not practically feasible, yet it forms the basis of many Trump supporter’s opinions.
Even if we were to accept Trump’s premise that ICE is acting in good faith, the consequences of such policies are often devastating. Mass deportations would cripple industries that rely on immigrant labor, cause widespread economic damage, and would not necessarily improve safety for citizens. Despite all of this, Trump continues to cling to his narrative, and his supporters continue to defend him, even when faced with overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
Poll numbers are revealing. While a significant percentage of Americans still support Trump, the overall disapproval rate is substantial. This indicates a deep divide in the country. The 40% of Americans that still support Trump are the ones that have never been betrayed. This core group seems impervious to facts and continues to cling to Trump regardless of his actions or the truth.
The fact that his actions are a long list of crimes and misdemeanors, not just ICE-related issues, illustrates the severity of the situation. Some say it’s not the lies about ICE that has broken the camel’s back. But the rape, the pedophilia, the inciting the Jan 6 riots… the trust was lost long ago. This lack of accountability and the willingness of his supporters to ignore or downplay his misdeeds further erode the trust he might have once had. His hardcore 30% are still with him, ignoring the obvious reality.
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this situation is the lack of any discernible boundaries. The trust is gone, and this is apparent among a wide spectrum of the population. There is a general feeling of exasperation among those who recognize the lies. The fact that Trump seems to have stopped caring how he is perceived by the majority of people is a dangerous development. He appears to be focused solely on his base, and many see this is a sign of authoritarian tendencies.
There’s little hope of reason penetrating the walls of his hardcore followers. They are not interested in facts or truth, and they will always find a way to justify Trump’s actions. The only thing that seems to matter to them is their own political gain. They are a cult, and the cult will always defend him.
In the end, Trump’s lies and the actions of ICE that he has endorsed have eroded the trust of many, and have created a deep divide in the country. While his hardcore supporters remain loyal, the vast majority of the population sees him for what he is: a liar who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals.