Do you have friends or family members who are believers in QAnon or the Cult of Trump? Are you surprised by this and wonder how this could have ever happened? Under the right circumstances, even sane, rational, well-adjusted people can be deceived and persuaded to believe the most outrageous ideas and leader. President Trump uses the same deceptive psychological techniques that cult leaders do (cult leader’s playbook) that influence his devoted followers’ behavior, information, thoughts, and emotions. (Learn more about the BITE model of Authoritarian Control.)
I have previously shared strategic and helpful techniques for helping followers of Trump: The Definitive Guide to Helping People in the Cult of Trump but more can be done. We need to normalize being born or recruited into a destructive cult. If we as former members share our stories, current followers of QAnon and Trump supporters may begin to question if they, too, are being influenced.
It is an errant belief that someone is too intelligent to join a cult. Intelligent people fall prey to cults. Creativity and imagination can be used to control a person and high-control groups target smart, dynamic people. It is not limited to the ignorant or desperate. Millions have been affected by controlling relationships, political cults, religious groups, MLM, and more.
As people leave the Cult of Trump (and other destructive groups), it is important to speak out. American Dignity PAC is about to release a documentary called “The Game is Up: Disillusioned Trump Voters Tell Their Stories” which is about Trump voters who now feel betrayed and lied to. I am proud to have been involved in this project. You can watch a few trailers that feature different stories that will be told in the film here. (Once live, the link to stream the project will be shared.) Donate to the project here.
American Dignity – An Introduction
Millions of people have left controlling groups of all kinds: spiritually abusive churches, cults, yoga or meditation centers, political, social, or self-help groups.
Why did they leave? For most, they realized the group or the leader was harming them or others. Realizing that they had been hoodwinked, that what they signed up for is not what they were receiving, they woke up. And got out.
What would happen if those of us who have experienced cultic abuse spoke up and told our story? It would eliminate the stigma and fear surrounding being part of these groups. As stories are amplified on social media, it is our hope that current members will see themselves in those stories and begin their process of waking up. And, most importantly, they will not feel alone and have a safe, supportive space to connect with others that can help.
