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Episode Summary:
In the second instalment of our four-part series examining Trump’s first 100 days, Episode 26 of Surviving Trump explores the intense loyalty of the MAGA base — the voters who see Trump not just as a political leader but as a personal champion. We dive into the cultural, emotional, and economic drivers of this loyalty and why, despite economic uncertainty and political chaos, Trump’s most fervent supporters remain more committed than ever. We also examine how right-wing media outlets fuel this devotion, framing Trump’s actions as a battle against liberal elites and a defense of so-called “real” Americans.

In This Episode:

• The MAGA Worldview: How Trump’s chaotic first 100 days are seen as a period of long-overdue action and promises fulfilled
• Why They Stay Loyal: It’s not about policies — it’s about feeling seen, heard, and defended against cultural elites
• Justifying the Harm: Economic pain is reframed as a necessary sacrifice in the fight against liberal elites and globalists
• Power and Authoritarianism: Why Trump’s authoritarian moves aren’t seen as threats — but as course corrections
• Media Manipulation: How right-wing media outlets keep the MAGA base focused on cultural grievances while distracting them from policies that benefit the wealthy
• The “Aha” Moment: Bella shares a surprising insight she gained while writing this episode — and why it’s changed her perspective, if only a little

Why It Matters:
Trump’s base isn’t just holding steady — it’s digging in. Understanding the emotional and cultural roots of this loyalty is crucial to grasping how Trump maintains control over a fractured Republican Party. For these voters, Trump’s chaos isn’t a liability — it’s a strategy. He’s the one politician who tells them they’re not the problem — they’re the victims of a rigged system. And that belief is more powerful than policy, data, or even economic reality.

Next Episode – Episode 27: “Trump’s 100 Days – A Reality Check”
In Episode 27, we turn to the critics — the millions of Americans who see Trump’s first 100 days as a disaster for democracy. We’ll examine how his power grabs, regulatory rollbacks, and attacks on institutions are being f

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Host: Bella Goode

Bella is a former Republican turned democracy advocate raised by middle class parents in Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Syracuse University and the University of Pennsylvania with a masters of business administration from Wharton and a Masters Degree in Positive Psychology.

Career wise, Bella spent 20 years with American Express in New York and 20 years as an entrepreneur. She started and sold a fitness business that grew to 180 locations worldwide.

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