Seriously – Why Do Highly Educated White People Support Donald Trump?
It’s not that I spend a lot of time thinking about the supporters of former president Donald Trump. It’s generally when I take off my racial equity lens, which is rare, that I find it strange, cultish, and dangerous how much power MAGA friendlies have garnered in a short period of time. Considering Trump’s background and rhetoric, I venture to think that most Americans are dumbfounded to see that the 2024 presidential race is a close one. Is racism a major factor at play here?
It is important to dispel one very big myth. That is, most Trump followers are all low income, uneducated, and uncultured losers. That’s just not the reality. Many self-described MAGA folks live in gated communities, have advanced degrees and letters behind their names, and enjoy membership at the finest tennis and golf clubs. They are our bosses, colleagues, first responders, and neighbors. Why does this narrative of only ignorant people support Trump still live? Puzzlingly, that is my curiosity. And this opinion is my summation.
First, let’s review examples of the context at hand that prompts my interest in this seemingly illogical connection between the erudite and Trump:
The Reality
Most people who hold multiple degrees have been exposed to a diverse group of people. They may have traveled outside of their home state, and often internationally. Highly educated people observe, listen, and engage with those who hold a different perspective due to their own experiences and culture. They are less inclined to hold on to tradition for the sake of tradition – they are open to change, collaboration, and compromise. So, what’s up with their allegiance to Trump in midst of the following documented perspectives?
- Trump is a failed, terrible businessman.
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- Disastrous ventures in airlines, casinos, vodka, and a fake university plus multiple bankruptcies and real estate fraud. He declared bankruptcy for six of his businesses.
- Although business skills are very helpful as a leader, in which Trump continues to stumble and flop, he also had zero political experience prior to his presidency
- The Trump tax returns have yet to be released.
- Trump is a poor example of good character and leadership
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- Inappropriate language and sexual advances; lustful and creepy commentary about his daughter, Ivanka; holding the Bible upside down during a staged public relations act, and disrespect of his own marriage with infidelity.
- Tried to take credit for the stimulus payments to Americans by falsely claiming that this action was his initiative and then demanding that his name be placed on the checks
- Uses campaign money to pay his legal costs
- Redefined patriotism as he has mocked members of the military, disregarded Arlington Cemetery rules by taking photos and video and avoids addressing the violence experienced by law enforcement during the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
- Trump is frightful as a foreign affairs leader.
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- His coziness with China, North Korea, and Russia is terrifying because of the chance that he may follow their lead for “the right price.”
- 10 former generals and admirals warn that Trump is ill-suited to be the country’s commander-in-chief.
- Trump is a convicted lawbreaker
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- Guilty of misrepresenting business records to hide a hush money payment and pressuring election officials
- Trump is the only federal official in our nation’s history to be impeached twice.
- Trump is an elderly man whose ability to think and speak coherently has greatly diminished. Examples can be found in the attempt to articulate a clear response to a policy regarding childcare and the recent Presidential debate whereby he asserts racist and untrue responses. (i.e., stating that Haitians were eating their neighbor’s pets and that everyone wants reproductive rights returned to state government).
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump salutes at a campaign rally on March 16, 2024, in Vandalia, Ohio. (Photo via AP Photo/Jeff Dean.)
Trump has even lost the respect of those who worked closely with him in the White House. According to The Brookings Institution, Trump had an 85% turnover rate of most influential or key “Decision Makers” (A team) in his first year of office. He promoted and approved of harmful governmental policies such as how laborers can fight for improved working conditions and exiting from the Paris climate accord. Trump botched the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He promised to pay down the debt and balance the budget in 2016, and yet raised it more than any President in the history of the USA. Former Vice President and Republican fundamentalist Dick Cheney stated, “He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again.” And we hear the very public statements made by past teammates:
- Vice-President Mike Pence – “Trump is pursuing an agenda that is at odds with the conservative agenda that we governed on during our four years, and that’s why I cannot, in good conscience endorse Trump in this campaign.
- Mike Mulvaney, former acting White House Chief of Staff – “Count me amongst one of the Republicans that hopes he is not the nominee at this point.”
- Mark T. Esper, former Defense Secretary – “Any elected official needs to meet some basic criteria: They need to be able to put country over self, they need to have a certain level of integrity and principle, they need to be able to reach across the aisle and bring people together and unite the country. And Trump does not meet those marks for me.”
- William P. Barr, former Attorney General – “I don’t think he’s going to move the country forward.”
- Mark A. Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – “We don’t take an oath to a king, or a queen, or to a tyrant or dictator, and we don’t take an oath to a wannabe dictator.”
The realities are clear but as the adage states, “Truth only helps when a man accepts it.” One can certainly blame their seemingly blind fidelity on taking in too much bad media or the difficulty of moving away from your parents’ beliefs. However, I can’t fathom that those reasons are enough to vote for Trump and against democracy. For those who hold the sentiment that we “survived” him before, please be reminded that those who did keep the guardrails up, leaked information, and courageously confronted Trump will not be invited to serve in his next term.
The single-issue voter could describe a Trump follower, but most highly educated people know that is an ineffective way to demonstrate your patriotism. Furthermore, Trump frequently changes his stance and policies to capture attention and the spotlight at a particular moment. His sole objective is to win the presidency even if it means reversing positions or holding conflicting views. Although they appeal to some, single-issues such as granting corporations a lower tax rate and deregulation, supporting a federal ban on all abortions, eliminating the Department of Education or hosting the nation’s largest birthday party at the Iowa State Fairgrounds to celebrate 250 years of independence, cannot possibly override the threat to disregard the Constitution and place most, if not all, power within the executive branch of government. The democratic experiment dies with single-issue voting.
More than any other reason to support Trump, I believe the major one is the belief in white supremacy. This conviction is comforting to those who wish to control, define, and influence people and policies. A person who is a white supremacist holds this value of White people being superior – that is, most intelligent, beautiful and humane than all other races and ethnicities — regardless of their own race or ethnicity. Security, protection, and well-being can only be found in whiteness. Trump sycophants are grateful that he opened the gateway for bigotry, discrimination, exclusion, and fearmongering. They mask their creed of “White is right” by championing efforts to secure the border to keep Americans safe. Of course, everyone wants safety. Antiracism experts have noted that Trump’s strategy is to double down on the fears of many White people: economic insecurity and demographic change.
It was Trump’s executive order in September of 2020 that eliminated critical race theory from all forms of federal government training, which led to a wave of anti-Blackness through the form of an increase in White nationalism, attacks on higher education and criminal justice reform, book banning, misinformation on the 1619 Project, and the appointment of many judges who do not leave their politics at the door. He continues to spout ill-informed commentary about Black sorority business conventions as being a social “party.” He does not know us. He does not “get” us. Black culture is beautiful, magical, timeless, and often appropriated. As it has been said, “they want our rhythm but not our blues.” And yet, he wants to lead us. (I wonder exactly where…we are not going back.) Trump gave racists the license to spew their ugliness, implement exclusionary policies, and conduct harmful actions towards other Americans. A former president of a Trump-owned company shared his boss’s revulsion for Blacks: “I’ve got Black accountants at Trump Castle and Trump Plaza. Black guys counting my money! I hate it. The only kind of people I want counting my money are short guys that wear yarmulkes every day.” Those are the words and mindset of the Republican candidate for presidency.
White supremacy is blind to matters of difference and acts on the default mode that whiteness is better. So, who do racists view as the best prepared, poised, and purposed to manage our economy? A White man, of course. Donald Trump. They can’t fathom a woman, person of color or non-Christian leading anything – ever. In leadership studies, this worship or phenomenon is like the Great Man Theory. Leaning on special, anointed persons to change the world is the answer to crisis moments. Trump is not a hero. He cannot be relied on to “make America great again.” His affinity for whiteness has been documented and proven to be an ineffective leadership style in so many ways. In fact, Goldman Sachs, the noted socialists (cough cough), says that under Trump’s economic policy the economy will not grow.
His principles, morals, and policies are those of hate and greed. A multiracial nation that seeks to help the “least of these” is a foreign notion to Donald Trump. Trumpism is racism. Surely there are those who will scream at the top of their lungs that they are colorblind and support Trump for other reasons. I concur with James Baldwin, “I can’t believe what you say, because I see what you do.”
There are many teachings to learn from the political ascension of Donald Trump. My lessons include the familiar maxim that one should not “judge a book by its cover.” That is, most racists don’t wear hoods and robes anymore but rather suits and smartwatches. Also, there is the reality that people can and do change. Refusing to hold on your favorite grandpop’s intolerance and hatred for others or your manager’s bias towards a certain type of hire can be liberating. I’m no longer surprised when meeting older White men wearing a trucker snapback ball cap and grungy tee shirt, speaking with a southern drawl who profess their support of Black Lives Matters.
One can hope that these Trump loyalists will slowly disappear from the public domain after November 5, 2024, but that would only be wishful thinking. Trump and his fervid gang have eerily and effectively managed to control parts of our judiciary, and educational and environmental leadership. The will of the people must remain passionate and intentional to erect barriers that politically silence and prevent those who desire an ego-driven autocrat as the head of state.
Donald Trump is not handsome, smart, or wholesome. He isn’t funny, and he can’t dance. He does not respect his wife or God. I’m not trying to be funny, but these are reasons why people often like candidates. Trump tries to hide his racist ideology but when found in a pressured situation his default of meanness seeps through his disguise. There just isn’t another reason for a highly educated person to align with him unless there is also a belief in white supremacy.
So, Trump devotees, let’s just be honest and forthright and stop trying to pretend to be someone else. Make it easy for the rest of us by sharing your allegiance, so people don’t have to waste time with fake or courageous conversations with a person who believes that whiteness is all mighty and most powerful. Don’t hide behind the Bible or family tradition.
Can we defeat white supremacy in government and all other institutions? I remain hopeful because I choose to reframe the question. Is it possible for me to look at history and draw inspiration from Americans who chose love and peace? Will teaching concepts that increase an understanding and analysis of the past and present inequities be beneficial to society? Can I find joy in organizing with those who tirelessly do the work to eradicate structural racism and the disease of hate? Absolutely.
We are all social beings seeking connection. My hope is that most people will turn their backs on white supremacist candidates and vote against those who will do and say whatever they want to foster hostility and violence in this country. Perhaps we should all work towards helping Americans view the word ‘unite’ in the phrase the United States of America as a verb. As former First Lady Michelle Obama implored us, “Do Something!” Today’s version of racism can be tricky. Don’t let the smoke and mirrors fool you. Be a courageous and informed voter.
“Never Too Far” contains perspectives and insights from an inquisitive and engaged Orange County transplant from Philly. Deborah Stroman is an entrepreneur and UNC leadership professor who has seen too much and not enough, and thus continues to question and explore the thoughts and actions of humankind.
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An outstanding read.
I am a 65-year old white male who did 24 years in our Air Force and another 23 working in the local public sector. I was once a person voting predominately Republican because (1) I do believe in less government, and (2) I felt the party was more moral back when and did “the right thing,” more often. I did start differing from the GOP on gun control and women’s reproductive rights–siding with the Democratic party, but I made a full on shift and fully changed my position during the 8 great years with President Obama. I also agree with the principle that everyone should have some form of health care. That’s my background.
Fast forward to Trump. I assured my family in 2016 there was no way Trump would become President. I am also originally from New Jersey, very close to NYC. I knew of Trump’s business practices and how many people he ripped off, without batting an eye. Trump was an ass then, and only a bigger ass now. I was wrong; Trump was in. I fully supported Bidden in 2020…and still do. I started regaining faith in my fellow Americans under Biden. These past 6-months, though, I am in total disbelieve Trump is again the GOP nominee???? Why??? I saw the title of your piece…and had to read it. Can your premise actually be true?? Is Trump, in large part, still on the scene because of racism? I must admit that I don’t think a lot about racism, because it has never been in my mind nor my heart. I do know of the struggle and hardships that so many marginalize souls have experienced in their lives. I have so much empathy for those wronged for something so basic as hate born from fear and stupidity. Despite some tragedies in my life, I also work hard to be an optimist and to think better of others by default. Your article is hard to refute. I just guess it is hard for a human on this planet, and an American…to believe it. I will look for more of your work and read on. Thank you!!
This question of why seemingly intelligent people can follow such a blatant liar and charlatan has haunted me since 2016. The most incredible part is that there is nobody “better” in the GOP who can replace Trump. He is so blatantly flawed in just about every human quality in existence. His patriotism is perverted at best. The one thing he does is that he says what everyone who supports him are afraid to say themselves. He speaks without restraint with zero respect for anything or anyone. His supporters feel hopeless or powerless enough to feel they need that kind of “hero” to do what needs to be done, their dirty work for them. Nobody else in the GOP could or would do what he does or says. That’s it, they need a hero and there he is in all his completely flawed glory.
Thank you, Ms. Stroman. On the heels of listening to Liz Cheney present to a packed house last night, stymied and still concerned, I googled “why do educated people support Trump?” I pulled out a plum in the form of your column. Doesn’t make it go away, but defines it well. Each one of us is so important than most realize to wanting, maintaining and protecting our fragile democracy.
Ok I understand why white folks see him as their hero,but black people? I’m lost.
Agree with you, John and… Latinos, too.
What about the Mormons or other Christian’s don’t they see they are among the people he hates?
They are following ‘the phalse prophet’
With their mind stuck in a ‘white-washing’ process of Jesus ….Christian fascism
For the last nine years, this has been my take on Trump’s appeal to so many white people who are rich, poor and in between: It’s the racism, stupid.
I still maintain it’s not about race with a lot of his supporters, because I intimately know plenty of them. It’s about feeling powerless and wanting someone to completely shake up the “system.” Also, they deeply fear world war and feel it’s imminent, so they love the fact he cozies up with dictators. They love how radical he is. They love how he offends people. They are fearful and gullible people who think they’re free thinkers. They are frustrated by weak government yet they claim to want less government. What I don’t understand is how they think he’s the answer.
I came looking for answers as it appears Trump could win again. And I already knew them. It is absolutely about white supremacy. The only reason you take rights away from others or demean them or try to erase them from history or use them as a scare tactic, is due to your OWN insecurity. I love the saying regarding equal rights not being like pie. Equal rights for others does NOT mean fewer rights for you. Yet here we are. Heading towards a MAGA President, House and Senate.
It’s a horrible time to be a woman and a person of color. And in times like this, I fear for my son, growing up a black man in THIS country in this environment. What did I bring him into???
I don’t blame for being nervous for the future. I’m pretty nervous, too. I hate to say it, but I think his new presidency isn’t mainly because of racial issues but because of technology. He has too much money for the lunatic that he is, but with that money he can buy people with tech skills to play psychological mind f*ckery tactics on vulnerable people. The Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal and subsequent data breach was linked to his 2016 election victory, and I believe he hasn’t stop exploiting hackers and computer professionals to play with people’s minds and spread poison around the cyber world. Sadly, it’s not just rich, white people voting for him but anyone who has pinged a program to catch insecurity and fear. I have people I have worked with, lovely people who are from mixed backgrounds who, for some awful reason, worship the ground he walks on. I live in a Republican state, so my views have never been popular, but just the other day I saw a woman in a store get verbally attacked for having the gall to speak negatively about Trump’s obviously declining mental state. It’s scary out there, and I can’t imagine how much money it takes to sell a soul, but I’m certain some skilled computer users have sadly sold their soul.
A garbage take and analysis from a “never-Trump” person. No mention of the terrible ideologies that Democrats are pushing to dismantle the US and its core constitutional values as a reason for why people support Trump. Certainly he’s flawed but the Democrats post Obama have been wildly radical and just plain disastrous.
Exactly, Kim. The racist/white supremacist angle is tired and played out, but some on the left just don’t want to admit progressive policies are horrible, and enough Americans see through it, as well as the constant gaslighting and hiding by the Biden administration from the 2020 campaign all the way through Biden’s departure from the White House. The far left decided 2020 was a referendum on their radical progressive policies, and enough Americans said “no” in 2024. Oh, and there was also Kamala Harris. Imagine Kamala trying to speak coherently during a three hour free-wheeling podcast.
Help Please, He’s Killing America Softly!!
Education isn’t about intelligence or empathy.
This article has displayed the racism of the Democratic Party. Trump is not racist. The democrats are the true racists. People over look the simplicity of Americans. We want strong leadership for our Nation. Trump has become that leader, once again. He won the popular vote. What does that tell everyone? More people in this nation are looking forward to his leadership. This includes all races across our nation. The Democratic Party has lost their control and are upset about it. Support what is best for the majority, not just the minority.
He actually DID NOT win the popular vote. Harris got 48.3%, Trump got 49.8% and third party candidates like Kennedy who was still on the ballot, got the balance. Trump did not break 50% but since we have the electoral college and since its winner-take-all for each state, he won. Hardly a “mandate”.