In May 2024, a red hat emblazoned with the words “Make America Great Again” was unceremoniously placed atop the Hollywood Walk of Fame star belonging to Donald Trump, the newly re-elected President of the United States. This peculiar incident unfolded just hours after the controversial figure had been convicted of 34 felony charges related to tampering with business records to sway the 2016 election. The juxtaposition of criminality and adoration seemed to encapsulate the mystique surrounding Trump’s enduring popularity, leaving many observers perplexed.
As the world grapples with the enigma of Trump’s appeal, particularly in light of his criminal record, incendiary rhetoric, and authoritarian tendencies, one cannot help but draw parallels between his rise to power and the allure of reality television. Much like the guilty pleasure of watching a reality show that we love to hate, Trump’s unfiltered, unpolished, and morally ambiguous persona seems to strike a chord with a significant segment of the American electorate.
Trump is not the first political leader to harness the power of brash behavior and authenticity to connect with voters. From George W. Bush’s “beer test” appeal to Barack Obama’s emotional resonance and Boris Johnson’s bumbling charm, politicians have long recognized the value of appearing relatable to the average citizen. However, Trump’s brand of authenticity seems to transcend traditional norms and boundaries, drawing on a unique blend of transgression and emotional manipulation to captivate his audience.
As business professors with a keen interest in the intersection of behavior, stigma, and emotion in the corporate world, we have witnessed how seemingly repugnant actions can engender fascination and engagement. Trump, both as a television personality and a political figure, has mastered the art of leveraging transgression and authenticity to maintain a loyal following. By embodying a persona that is unapologetically real and unabashedly confrontational, he taps into a deep well of human emotion that keeps his supporters hooked.
The concept of voyeurism, often associated with reality shows, social media influencers, and other forms of entertainment that offer a glimpse into private or forbidden realms, provides a useful framework for understanding Trump’s appeal. Much like viewers who are drawn to the thrill of peeking into others’ lives, Trump’s supporters find a sense of excitement in his unfiltered, rule-breaking behavior. By blurring the lines between authenticity and transgression, he creates a persona that is simultaneously relatable and daring, inviting his audience to defy societal norms while feeling validated in their frustrations.
Authenticity, in the context of Trump’s political persona, is not about truthfulness or accuracy but rather about the perception of unfiltered honesty and directness. His supporters applaud his willingness to flout political correctness and elite social norms, seeing him as a refreshing departure from the scripted rhetoric of traditional politicians. This authenticity, however manufactured it may be, resonates with his followers on an emotional level, reinforcing their belief in his genuineness.
Transgression, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in Trump’s appeal by creating a sense of rebellion and defiance that energizes his base. His controversial statements and actions, which often defy conventional political wisdom, attract supporters who feel alienated by the status quo. By challenging the boundaries of acceptable behavior, Trump generates excitement and controversy that keep his audience engaged and emotionally invested in his presidency.
The emotional allure of authenticity and transgression, while captivating in the short term, can also distort reality and obscure deeper truths. Like voyeuristic businesses that exploit curiosity and taboo to generate profits, Trump’s presidency has transformed the highest office in the land into a spectacle, where spectacle often trumps substance. By prioritizing emotional engagement over ethical leadership, Trump has cultivated a following that is more invested in the drama of his presidency than the impact of his policies.
While the emotional rollercoaster of authenticity and transgression may sustain Trump’s popularity in the short term, there is a risk that the thrill could eventually wear off, leaving his supporters disillusioned and disenchanted. As the costs of his divisive rhetoric and unilateral actions become more apparent, the emotional high of rule-breaking may give way to feelings of unease and revulsion. The challenge for society is to recognize when the balance tips from excitement to danger and to be prepared to confront the consequences of a leadership style that prioritizes emotion over reason.
By understanding the dynamics of authenticity, transgression, and emotional manipulation in Trump’s appeal, we can begin to have a more nuanced conversation about leadership, governance, and the role of emotion in shaping our political landscape. Recognizing the parallels between Trump’s rise and voyeuristic practices is not just about explaining his popularity; it is about equipping ourselves to resist manipulation and hold our leaders accountable for their actions. As we navigate the complex terrain of contemporary politics, let us remember that emotions are a powerful force, but reason and integrity must ultimately guide our decisions.
