Rick talks to cult expert Steven Hassan about the dynamics of cult behavior, with a focus on Donald Trump’s powerful hold over his supporters. Hassan shares his insights on how Trump uses fear, loyalty, and manipulation to maintain control, drawing parallels to cult tactics he’s seen in his personal experiences. They discuss the intersection of religion, politics, and media, emphasizing the need to understand these influences in order to help Trump supporters break free and think critically.
Follow Steven Hassan on X @CultExpert, subscribe to his Substack at stevenhassan.substack.com, and buy his book “The Cult of Trump: A Leading Cult Expert Explains How the President Uses Mind Control” at fine bookstores everywhere.
Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.
Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow us on X at @ProjectLincoln.
USAID being dismantled before our eyes is just the beginning. In this episode Rick is joined by Josh Rogin, Lead Global Security Analyst for Washington Post Intelligence, to discuss the shocking dismantlement of USAID by Elon Musk and Donald Trump. They explore the broader implications of this decision, including the erosion of America’s global influence, the potential humanitarian crisis, and how adversaries like China and Russia stand to benefit. The conversation also delves into Trump’s complicated relationship with Xi Jinping, the future of Taiwan, and the geopolitical risks of a second Trump presidency—particularly regarding Ukraine, where Vladimir Putin is poised to take advantage.
The question isn't just how we got here - it's what we do next. Joe and Alex are re-joined by Katherine Stewart for a special guest episode. Katherine has been researching the far right- from Christian nationalists to MAGA - for over 15 years, and her new book, "Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy" is a powerful look at how we got here - and what we have to do to defeat MAGA and restore American democracy long-term. What single lesson do pro-democracy advocates need to learn from the past decade? And what are the six reasons Katherine is hopeful for the future? Order "Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy" now: https://www.amazon.com/Money-Lies-God-Movement-Democracy/dp/163557854X
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Robert McElvaine writes, "Insecure men see sexual equality as taking something away from them. That something is the Kevlar covering of unquestioned—unquestionable—male superiority. Without it, they feel exposed, defenseless against all their internal fears of inadequacy."
With little more than a week until election day, fascists and authoritarians are working feverishly to end American democracy. If we don’t “do democracy,” Dr. Jennifer Mercieca warns, they might succeed.
Rick dissects Trump’s blatant lies about Biden’s response to Hurricane Helene, and the long history of MAGA using tragedy for political gain. He discusses the use of social media and AI to disseminate disinformation, particularly Marjorie Taylor Greene’s absurd claim that “they” control the weather.
