Generalizations are dangerous. Not all Trump supporters are, as Trump would say, “deluded lunatics.” But maybe some are. Donald Trump has a remarkable record of offensive behavior. Some of it is racist. Some of it is criminal. And much of it is hypocritical. Does support for Trump entail accepting everything that Trump has said or done? Of course not. But I wonder how Trump supporters can look at themselves in the mirror while knowing the ex-president’s record.
As I thought about how people can support Trump, I jotted down a list of things that Trump has said or done.
Trump confused Nikki Haley and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Several times in recent weeks, he has referred to Obama when he meant Biden. He called Joe Biden “Sleepy Joe” and said, “He doesn’t even know if he’s alive.” Biden is showing signs of age. But what is a 77-year-old, who regularly makes similar misstatements, doing, saying Biden is too old to be president?
Not paying taxes. Do Trump supporters support tax evasion? Should a billionaire pay $750 in taxes a year? If everyone were as successful at avoiding taxes as Trump has been, the federal government, including the Department of Defense, Medicare and Medicaid, and Social Security, would collapse.
Claiming to win an election in 2020 that he clearly lost. This is a tough one–especially when Trump insists that voter fraud won the election for Biden. Trump no longer discusses the details of how he lost the 2020 election. Instead, he relies on generalized allegations of fraud by Democrats, “RINOs” and communist lunatics.
Making questionable political appointments to the Cabinet and federal agencies and subsequently firing many of them, sometimes on Twitter. As president, Trump engaged in personnel practices that would get any corporate executive fired. Remember the appointment of Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) as Attorney General. After Sessions refused to recuse himself from the Russia probe, Trump fired him and call him “mentally-retarded.” He also referred to Sessions as “Mr. Magoo, “an idiot,” and “mixed-up and confused.”
Dozens of former Trump appointees oppose his attempt to return to power, including General John Kelly who Trump called, “a lowlife with a small brain and a big mouth.” He also called for the execution of the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. What does this behavior say about Trump’s fitness to serve as president?
Bragging about being famous allowing you to grab women by the “pu**y.” What adult says things like that? Trump claims it was locker-room talk, but his personal history is that of a “player.” Case in point: He had an affair with a Playboy Playmate for nine months just after Melania gave birth to their son, Barron. Have you seen the photo of Trump with his one-time friend, Jeffrey Epstein?
Believing that business fraud is OK. Trump has been found guilty of inflating the values of real estate to defraud banks and other lenders into giving him lower interest rates on loans. Trump argues that nobody was hurt. He even went so far as to imply that banks welcomed being defrauded. The State of New York sees it otherwise. Now billionaire Trump is having difficulty raising money for the half billion dollar fine imposed on him.
Calling federal judges “deranged” for not dismissing felony charges related to the January 6, 2021 insurrection; obstruction of justice; taking secret documents with him to Mar-a-Lago after he left the White House; interfering with the counting of votes, including asking the Georgia Secretary of State to “find me” 11,780 votes.
Promising to pardon January 6 rioters. Trump has not promised to pardon all of them, but he has called the people who caused multiple deaths and millions of dollars in damages “patriots.” The U.S. Office of Government Accountability (GAO) claims the cost of January 6 is around $2.7 billion, including actions taken to improve the security at the Capitol to prevent a repeat of January 6. The “cost” of people dying, of course, cannot be calculated.
Calling Vladimir Putin a “genius” and “savvy” for his actions in Ukraine. According to Volodymyr Zelensky, 31,000 Ukrainian troops have died. If that number is accurate, total deaths in Ukraine likely exceed 50,000. And the end of the war is not in sight.
While on the subject of Putin, Donald Trump once said he trusted Putin’s word over the reports of U.S. intelligence agencies. Putin assured Trump that Russia had not attempted to influence the U.S. presidential election. Who is comfortable believing Putin?
Saying he will be a “dictator for a day” in a campaign speech. Was this just “political rhetoric” in the same way as the “grab them by the pu**y” comment with Billy Bush was “locker room talk?” I don’t think so.
Trump promises “retribution” against his enemies and claims he is doing so on behalf of his supporters.
Calling prosecutors “animals.” Trump called Manhattan district Attorney Alvin Bragg an “animal” after Bragg indicted him for 34 felony counts in connection with Trump’s payment of “hush money” to avoid publication of reports of his affairs with porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal.
In addition, Trump regularly frequently invokes language once used by Adolf Hitler. The most troubling example is promising to eradicate “vermin” that are “poisoning” the blood of America. I have a tough time understanding how Trump supporters can be comfortable with their candidate using this language.
Trump supporters: “What are you thinking?” I suggest you take a closer look at your candidate before it’s too late.
J.E. Dean is a retired attorney and public affairs consultant writing on politics, government, and, too infrequently, other topics.
Bob Moores says
John, may I add to your list of Trump “qualities”?
How about Trump’s extortion scheme of withholding aid Congress approved for Ukraine’s defense if Zelensky didn’t open an investigation into Hunter Biden? How often has a US president used his office to extort a favor damaging to his political opponent from the leader of a foreign country?
How often have we seen a US president ask a foreign leader (Putin) who is his friend but not a friend of the US for help in defeating his political opponent (Clinton)?
And have we ever seen a president grift “political campaign” contributions which are actually used for paying his army of lawyers who have to defend him from multiple crimes? Or, for that matter, have we every seen a president under so many indictments that our justice system has a hard time scheduling all his trials?
John Dean says
Bob: Great additions to the list. I’m sorry I missed them.
Alan Boisvert says
I so don’t care anymore, I am so tired of this assxxxz. Please stop writing about him, he loves it no matter what you say.
Ron Jordan says
Alan,if there isn’t a reminder about Trump’s stupidity then people, our neighbors here in Chestertown will forget too soon, like tomorrow. Bob forgot to add, when our delegate, Jay Jacobs and one of our commissioners thought it was a “bright idea” to fly a Trump flag in support of him at the Rock Hall marina, even though it was closed during the pandemic to the fisherman whose lives were interrupted by a law they weren’t allowed to go out and make a living. Bob forgot that courageous act by one of our own who was duly elected by the citizens of our district to work in our behalf in Annapolis, how soon some forget.
Gren Whitman says
Donald Trump may love the attention, but he detests parting with his money!
Found guilty of orchestrating a conspiracy to inflate his net worth to get favorable loans, Trump has been ordered by Judge Arthur Engoron to pay $454 million — a $355 million penalty plus interest.
That interest is now accruing at a rate of $112,000 per day.
Separately, Trump faces an $83.3 million judgment in the sexual abuse and defamation case brought by E. Jean Carroll, as well as the $5 million won by Ms. Carroll in her initial lawsuit.
A million here, a million there, and soon you’re talking about real money!
Gren Whitman says
Follow-up Note: As of Friday, March 8, Himself secured a $91.6 million bond sufficient to cover the money he owes to writer E. Jean Carroll in a defamation lawsuit while he appeals the jury’s verdict. The bond covers the $83.3 million judgment in the lawsuit, plus interest.
Thomas Timberman says
(1)Mr. Dean asks a question millions of Americans continue to ask: what are Trump’s supporters thinking? The most dedicated MAGA disciples don’t care about his record or what he says and does. He is a rich, successful businessman, former president, who says,loudly,confidently and over and over, what many muttered, but seldom ever said outload, because long ago there were inhibitions. What would other people think? Trump has given millions permission to let it all out and not worry. Then there are the numerous Americans who have benefitted from him, and want to continue doing so. His company’s former Finance head is now paying the price as are many others with more to follow.
(2) And behind it all is the Apprentice, which variously ran from 2004-17.
John Dean says
Thanks for reading the piece. Trump’s former CFO just pleaded guilty to perjury. His prison sentence is for perjury, not for anything else.
Also, what do you mean by “And behind it all is the Apprentice, which variously ran from 2004-17?” I may be missing something, but what does that have to do with the 2024 election?
Deirdre LaMotte says
The numerous people who have “benefited” are those are rich who could care less about their nation
as long as there are deregulations, higher profit for corporations, and less taxes. Period. These people
are soulless and have no problem eradicating our “ troublesome democracy”.
This should be the most winnable election in the history of our country. Yet Trump reminds us that his America is based on xenophobia, humiliation, isolationism, repeal of women’s rights, blatant disregard for the rule of law, hypocrisy, nepotism, tyranny and insurrection.
These are your Trump supporting neighbors.
Kathryn Lee says
Thank you for this list. It is a keeper, and one I will share with friends. I would add Trump’s making fun of the reporter with a disability on Nov. 24, 2015. It was G. H. W. Bush who signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, another example of the decline of the Trump-captured Republican Party.
John Dean says
Thank you for mentioning that shameful Trump comment–ridiculing a person with a disability. I recall when President G.H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. It was a proud moment for the Republican party but is, tragically, ancient history. As long as Trump heads the party, nothing like that will happen.
Elizabeth Ann Glenn says
Mr. Dean,
After reading everything you write about Trump,may I ask you to write on the immigrants that are coming across the border.and the drugs that are being brought over? I know how I personally feel but would appreciate you writing about your thoughts on all of these ppl coming over here and why you think that Mr Biden continues to allow it and initially why he opened the border after trump closed it..I woukd just like your views on this as I appreciate your writings on the Spy.thank you Mr Dean
Elizabeth Glenn
Deirdre LaMotte says
What I want to say to you is this: Trump promised to “build his Wall and have Mexico pay for it”. As President, he had a Republican House and a Republican Senate and still did NOTHING about the Wall or immigration.
Biden would sign the bipartisan border plan, giving up a lot to the GOP, but Trump made his little minions in the House refuse to bring it up for a vote because he knows it would pass overwhelmingly. Trump does not care one ounce about the border, immigration or the American people. He is a vindictive loser who does not want to give Biden a “win”.
Bob Moores says
I’ll add another biggie.
In the early days of what would become the covid pandemic, Trump downplayed its seriousness by refusing to wear a mask and avoid crowds. When asked by Bob Woodward, who was researching another book, why he withheld knowledge vital for our wellbeing, Trump said he did not want to “panic” Americans. Wasn’t a modicum of panic in order? Trump did not allow you and I to make that decision; he made it for us. How many thousands of Americans paid for his hubris with their lives?
Deirdre LaMotte says
It is terrifying that there are millions of impaired people who are voting for a person OUT ON BAIL.
This nation has hit a new low.
James Nick says
Mr Dean lists a number of things trump has said and done then, in light of these, ends his piece by asking the question – Trump supporters: “What are you thinking?”
Let’s see, maybe…
What is a 77-year-old, who regularly makes similar misstatements, doing, saying Biden is too old to be president? Old? trump is a buff, muscled, virile warrior in the prime of his life. Google “trump as Rambo poster”. You’ll see.
Not paying taxes and believes bank fraud is Ok. That makes him smart and, by extension, a role model for how to navigate the rigged system.
Claiming to win an election in 2020 that he clearly lost. Ask anyone in rural America and they will tell you that everyone they know voted for trump in 2020. Everyone everywhere was decked out in MAGA gear and there were more trump signs, banners, and flags on trucks and lawns than fallen leaves. It’s obvious that trump lost because of rampant election fraud.
Making questionable political appointments to the Cabinet and federal agencies and subsequently firing many of them. trump was, and still is, a Washington outsider, just ask him. His initial administration was populated by picks from establishment swamp creatures and he took corrective measures as soon as possible. All resulting ad hominem attacks were from those disloyal swamp creatures he fired.
Bragging about being famous. And the problem is??? Speaking of grabbing women by the “pu**y.” What adult says things like that? Ummm… just about every juvenile male at one point or another.
Trump had an affair with a Playboy Playmate for nine months just after Melania gave birth to their son. Proof of his Rambo-like virility.
Calling prosecutors “animals” and federal judges “deranged”. Deep state witch hunts, pure and simple. End of story.
Promising to pardon January 6 rioters. Not rioters… tourists stopping by for a normal visit to the Capitol.
Calling Vladimir Putin a “genius”, “savvy”, and trustworthy. True that! And as an added bonus, he, like trump, is also the defender of traditional Christian values.
Saying he will be a “dictator for a day”. A day!!! Only a day?
Trump promises “retribution” against his enemies and claims he is doing so on behalf of his supporters. Bring it! Hope he designates the Proud Boys as his praetorian guard and they’ll start by locking up Hiliary Clinon and hanging the traitor Mike Pence.
Trump frequently invokes language once used by Adolf Hitler by promising to eradicate immigrant “vermin” that are “poisoning” the blood of America. Even a broken clock is right twice a day. There are just some universal truisms that all patriotic leaders come to recognize.
Chris Gordon says
Mr. Dean,
This is a bit off topic to your commentary but it is what I have come to believe. Many decades ago I truly believed there have been countless intelligent civilizations in this vast universe that we could contact. I no longer believe that. I now believe that every intelligent civilization self destructs as soon as they are cabable of doing so. That’s why we have never received an electronic message from an alien being.
I now believe the same thing will happen to life on earth. We will self-destruct whether by climate change, nuclear war, or some other self-inflicted catastrophe. Donald Trump will be responsible. That’s his role in the great scheme of things. We can try to delay the calamity that he and his followers set in motion but we cannot prevent its inevitable unfolding.
I’m truly sorry to bring such bad tidings to the discussion but I can’t pretend it is not so.
James Nick says
Mr Gordon’s conjecture about intelligent destroying itself is not new or original. This general theme is explored both in fiction and in scientific hypothesizing. It is offered as one of the hypothetical explanations for the Fermi Paradox which is the discrepancy between the lack of conclusive evidence of advanced extraterrestrial life and the apparently high likelihood of its existence. See
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermi_paradox for a great overview.
Robert Lasus says
Mr. Dean,
Two more things to be emphasized:
I has been obvious that Mr. Trump holds Putin and Kim Jong-un and other dictators in high esteem and as role models. This was an early clue to his character.
He has with his minions lowered the bar of leadership by using juvenile and unsupported name calling. This is coupled innuendo and outright threats that if he were not to be followed ‘there could be trouble.’ This was mentioned and I emphasize.
What have we been taught and learned that half of our voters can dismiss this outrageousness and support such despicableness.
Thank you for your overview. Respectfully, Robert Lasus
Patty Heaps says
Tell us you don’t know any Trump supporters without saying you don’t really know any Trump supporters. That’s what happens when you live in a bubble.
Don E. Itall says
What an echo chamber Chestertown Spy is. Remember, there is none so blind as he who will not see.