How did we end up with this cult of personality surrounding Trump?

Trump is no longer just a politician, he has become a symbol, almost a brand. For some of his supporters, he is never wrong:

if he lies → it's "strategic"

if he is convicted → it's "the system"

if he loses an election → it's "obviously rigged"

We no longer talk about facts, we talk about faith.

The classic ingredients of cult worship (it's all there)
Providential leader: "Only he can save America" (the others? Traitors or incompetents).

Narrative of persecution: the media, judges, universities, the FBI... everyone is against him, therefore against us.
Merging of identity and persona: criticising Trump = attacking America, "real people", the people.
Quasi-religious symbols: flags, slogans, messianic rallies, merchandising as relics.


Of course, not all Trump voters are worshippers.
Many vote for him out of rejection of the elites, cultural progressivism, or economic calculation. But the hard core is clearly in a quasi-religious mindset.
How did we end up with this cult of personality surrounding Trump?
How did we end up with this cult of personality surrounding Trump?
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