The rise and sustained support of Donald Trump, a figure who embodies authoritarian tendencies and blatant disregard for democratic norms, is not an aberration. It is, in fact, a predictable consequence of the broader structural failings embedded within the U.S. political and economic system. To understand the appeal of Trump and the movement he represents, we must look beyond personality and rhetoric. We need to interrogate the underlying socioeconomic conditions, the failures of political institutions, and the deep sense of alienation felt by a significant portion of the population.
The Crisis of Neoliberalism and Economic Dispossession
At the core of Trump's support lies the crisis of neoliberal capitalism—a system that has systematically dismantled the social safety nets, eroded labor rights, and concentrated wealth in the hands of a small elite. Over the past four decades, both major political parties have embraced neoliberal policies, from deregulation to austerity, under the guise of promoting "free markets" and "economic efficiency." What this has created, however, is a vast economic chasm that has left much of the population in a state of precarity and insecurity.
Working-class Americans, especially in rural and deindustrialized regions, have been left behind by the hollowing out of manufacturing and the shift towards a service-based economy. As real wages have stagnated and jobs have been outsourced, the political establishment—both Democratic and Republican—has offered little more than empty promises. Trump’s populist rhetoric, while largely a façade, tapped into this anger and frustration, presenting himself as an anti-establishment savior willing to challenge the global elites.
Yet, it is essential to recognize that Trump is not the cause of this crisis—he is its consequence. The neoliberal order, championed by political elites, has created fertile ground for demagogues like Trump to thrive. The concentration of wealth in fewer hands and the resulting disenfranchisement of the working class have paved the way for authoritarian figures who can manipulate popular discontent while serving the interests of the very economic elites responsible for the crisis.
The Erosion of Democratic Institutions
While the U.S. has long prided itself on being a "democracy," the reality is that its political system is deeply oligarchic. The influence of money in politics has turned electoral contests into spectacles dominated by corporate interests and wealthy donors, while the needs of the majority are sidelined. Trump, despite his anti-establishment rhetoric, is no exception—he is a product of this same plutocratic system.
The Citizens United ruling of 2010 further entrenched the role of corporate money in politics, allowing billionaires and corporations to flood elections with unlimited sums of dark money. Trump's own rise to power was aided by this system, as his campaign—despite positioning itself as a grassroots movement—relied heavily on wealthy backers and media manipulation.
This erosion of democratic institutions has been decades in the making. The revolving door between corporate boardrooms and government offices, the subservience of elected officials to the interests of capital, and the marginalization of the public from meaningful political participation have created a system where the majority of the population feels disempowered. Trump’s supporters, many of whom feel that their voices have been ignored by the political establishment, are not entirely wrong. However, their solution—supporting a billionaire demagogue—is emblematic of a broader failure to address the root causes of their disenfranchisement.
The Role of Media and Manufactured Consent
To further understand Trump’s appeal, we must also examine the role of the media in shaping political consciousness. The corporate media, far from being neutral arbiters of truth, are key players in the system of manufactured consent. Media conglomerates, owned by the same corporate elites that dominate the political system, have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. They amplify spectacle and sensationalism while ignoring or distorting the underlying systemic issues.
Trump, a master of media manipulation, benefited immensely from this structure. His bombastic style, incendiary rhetoric, and reality TV persona were perfectly suited for a media landscape driven by ratings and profit. During the 2016 election, he received unprecedented free coverage, not because of the substance of his policies, but because he generated attention—and attention translates to profit.
Yet, the media’s role is not limited to Trump’s rise. For decades, mainstream media outlets have worked to manufacture consent for policies that benefit corporate interests at the expense of the working class. By focusing on trivial political spectacles and reducing complex issues to soundbites, the media have diverted attention from the structural inequalities that are the real drivers of political discontent.
Cultural Backlash and the Exploitation of Fear
Trump’s ability to stoke cultural and racial resentment cannot be overlooked. His attacks on immigrants, Muslims, and other marginalized groups serve as a diversion from the real sources of economic hardship. This strategy—common among authoritarian figures—exploits fear and insecurity, channeling them toward scapegoats rather than addressing systemic inequality.
The U.S. has a long history of using racial and cultural division to maintain elite power. From the Jim Crow era to the Southern Strategy, politicians have repeatedly used race as a tool to divide the working class and distract from the failures of capitalism. Trump’s revival of this strategy, through his calls for a border wall, his Muslim ban, and his overt embrace of white nationalism, is a continuation of this legacy.
However, it is crucial to understand that Trump’s cultural politics resonate with many because they are rooted in a broader context of alienation. The neoliberal order, by prioritizing profit over people, has eroded not only economic stability but also social cohesion. Communities that once relied on stable jobs and social institutions now find themselves adrift in a globalized economy that cares little for their well-being. Trump’s appeal to "Make America Great Again" is, at its core, an attempt to return to a mythologized past—one where economic security and social order seemed more assured.
Conclusion: Trump as Symptom, Not Cause
Trump is not the disease; he is a symptom of a decaying political and economic system that prioritizes the interests of the wealthy over the needs of the many. His rise to power, and the continued loyalty of his base, are reflections of a broader systemic failure—a failure of neoliberal capitalism, of democratic institutions, and of the media. Until these root causes are addressed, Trumpism will remain a potent force in U.S. politics, even if Trump himself fades from the scene.
For those committed to progressive change, the task is not simply to oppose Trump or his policies. The challenge is far greater: to confront the structural inequalities that gave rise to his movement and to build a political system that is truly democratic, just, and responsive to the needs of all people, not just the powerful few.
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