MEXICO CITY, November 9 (EL UNIVERSAL).- Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 elections not only underlines his political influence, but also his ability to expand the limits of the unthinkable to the radical, the range of acceptable ideas in the public debate.
Unlike other politicians, Trump has managed to expand his boundaries through a deep emotional connection with his followers, who see his ideals as a reflection of their own identity.
Causing fanaticism and nationalism, leaving the image of a politician aside to become a messiah.
Trump has taken the phenomenon of political celebrity one step further. Not only does he act like a celebrity figure, he turns his voters into fans.
These followers do not behave solely as voters; They identify deeply with their positions, adapting and defending ideas that in another context would be unacceptable.
This strategy, which Trump executes in celebrity style, includes a narrative of exclusion that appeals to those who feel betrayed by the system.
By presenting himself as an outsider, he challenges the status quo and rejects “political correctness.” His speech is based on three fundamental pillars:
Exclusion Narrative: Trump structures a battle between “the good guys” (himself, his allies and supporters) against “the bad guys” (opponents, Democrats and the established political system).
Character Authenticity: He presents himself as someone honest and direct, someone who “says what he thinks” and acts without the filters of traditional politics.
Distrust in the System: Trump strengthens his followers’ belief that only he can “fix” the system, attracting those who feel that the government has forgotten them.
Through this strategy, Trump has created a space where radical ideas are openly defended, even by people who previously did not identify with extreme positions.
This leads to polarization in the United States, weakening democracy and radicalizing ideological differences. Instead of debating, followers focus on reaffirming their loyalty to him, which dissolves otherness and installs an identity devotion.
The results of this devotion are visible: Trump fans show their loyalty through symbols of support, from hats and clothing to masks and flags, as well as embracing drastic nationalism.
Thus, Trump has changed the role of his voters from mere electors to loyal followers, who see him not only as a politician, but as a figure in whom they place their aspirations and frustrations.
Trump’s new policy redefines what is acceptable in public debate and projects a future of polarization and division, where democracy faces the constant tension of a loyalty that transcends politics and becomes identity.
