The Cult of Trump

A Leading Cult Expert Explains How the President Uses Mind Control

By: Steven Hassan

Narrated by: Steven Hassan

*As featured in the streaming documentary #UNTRUTH—now with a new foreword by George Conway and an afterword by the author*

A masterful and eye-opening examination of Trump and the coercive control tactics he uses to build a fanatical devotion in his supporters written by “an authority on breaking away from cults…an argument that…bears consideration as the next election cycle heats up” (Kirkus Reviews).

Since the 2016 election, Donald Trump’s behavior has become both more disturbing and yet increasingly familiar. He relies on phrases like “fake news” and “build the wall” and continues to spread the divisive mentality of us vs. them. He lies constantly, has no conscience, never admits when he is wrong, and projects all of his shortcomings onto others. He has become more authoritarian, more outrageous, and yet many of his followers remain blindly devoted. Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert and a major Trump supporter, calls him one of the most persuasive people living. His need to squash alternate information and his insistence of constant ego stroking are all characteristics of other famous leaders—cult leaders.

In The Cult of Trump, mind-control and licensed mental-health expert Steven Hassan draws parallels between our current president and people like Jim Jones, David Koresh, Ron Hubbard, and Sun Myung Moon, arguing that this presidency is in many ways like a destructive cult. He specifically details the ways in which people are influenced through an array of social psychology methods and how they become fiercely loyal and obedient. Hassan was a former “Moonie” himself, and he presents a “thoughtful and well-researched analysis of some of the most puzzling aspects of the current presidency, including the remarkable passivity of fellow Republicans [and] the gross pandering of many members of the press” (Thomas G. Gutheil, MD and professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School). The Cult of Trump is an accessible and in-depth analysis of the president, showing that under the right circumstances, even sane, rational, well-adjusted people can be persuaded to believe the most outrageous ideas.

“This book is a must for anyone who wants to understand the current political climate.” (Judith Stevens-Long, PhD and author of Living Well, Dying Well)

©2019 Steve Hassan (P)2019 Simon & Schuster Audio

I about cults in general and and how Trump fits

(As posted in GoodReads)
The title certainly supports my confirmation bias on the subject, but truly, the book is not entirely about Trump and his despicable traits; it's equally about cults and how their defined and what qualifies them as a group, as well. The fact that Trump and his supporters FIT into groups that qualifies as a cult in this description is only a part. But yeah, that's part of my own confirmation bias…
Lately I have read or heard a fair amount about cults and the "bite model". That's partly because I subscribe to several YouTube channels that are resistant to religious cults in particular, but it's interesting to see the phenomenon used to describe something OTHER than a religion. I guess that I become somewhat opinionated about groups that appear to me to actually BE cultlike, both religious and political. He discusses the actual features that indicate the group of Trump's lackeys – that is believers and fans – truly describe a cult. In general, though, the book seems to be more mainstream than just "Trump hating", because it actually does describe more than that.

A guide to understanding Donald Trump and MAGA

This book was very engaging as well as informative about how group think comes about. It explains how our minds work and what is needed to make informed decisions. This is an important book for those trying to figure out how to navigate the world of Trump.

illuminating

the fact that Steven foretold what Donald Trump would do if it reelected years before it happened should've a warning for all of us.

We are all susceptible to undue influence

Learn about how people are drawn into groups that encourage group-think and, in some cases, can take over their lives. Steve Hassan speaks from experience in a cult. Forewarned is forearmed. Learn the methods leaders use. Observe, listen, and become a critical thinker. Very interesting chapter on how to engage friends and family members who have been drawn into a high demand/high control groups in ways that encourage conversation that connects with the person they were before adopting the constrained thought patterns of the group. I devoured this fascinating outline of how to identify mind control and want to read more.

Interesting despite flawed narration

This audiobook was fascinating in its methodical examination of common mind-control techniques employed by the Trump campaign and administration. It is at its best when it uses concrete examples of cult behavior and compares them to Trump supporters. This book is particularly useful for people with loved ones who have been indoctrinated into support for Trump, or any other cult, as one chapter is dedicated to the counter-intuitive methods for deprogramming cult belief systems. A warning: Mr. Hassen's voice is very monotone. If you require lively narration, you will be disappointed.

How to talk to active cult participants

I have been trying to read as much as I can to understand the current cult that created unprecedented division amongst Americans. The cult that prompted people to give up sovereign thinking and subsequent utter belief in the leader and his words, despite the very obvious proofs of his constant lies and misbehavior.

This book really helped me to understand why the his followers act the way they do and think they way they do, and it helped me to change my approach. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to engage and maintain the relationship with the cult followers despite their strong beliefs.

Excellent Book

This was a great book. It really shows how dangerous Donald Trump is as a person.

Excellent information!

I’ve read 15 or more books on Donald Trump and this is the best. It explains in a compassionate way why his followers deify him and why we should be concerned.

It's excellent! Every patriot should READ along w

All patriots should read now, then review the CONSTITUTION and the Declaration of INDEPENDENCE

Interesting.

I enjoyed listening to this audio book during my daily commute and while out running errands.