The Dichotomy of Truth and Lies: Why Trump Opposes Fact-Checking

Why does Trump so fiercely oppose fact-checking? And why is it that his followers are similarly resistant? The answer lies in the stark reality that he and his followers prefer unchecked lies to the truth.

A Flawed Mindset

Trump's opposition to fact-checking is not just a stance he takes; it is an extension of his flawed and inherently deceptive mindset. By consistently lying and denying facts, he feels compelled to resist any validation of the falsehoods he perpetuates. When someone is so accustomed to telling lies, the possibility of being caught in a lie is a significant concern that drives this resistance. In his own warped perception, he believes he is always correct, and fact-checkers serve only to disrupt this illusion.

The Propaganda Machine and Blind Faith

How does he convince his supporters to believe in his lies despite fact-checking efforts? The propaganda machine he employs is a key factor. His supporters are loyalists, not critical thinkers. They believe in him unconditionally, and any challenge to his narrative is easily dismissed. Trump speaks over and silences critics, insisting on his infallibility, and his followers, blinded by their loyalty, find truth in his every word, no matter how baseless.

Harsh Reality for the Naive

Others, those who are not blindly loyal, acknowledge the need for verification. Why would a truthful person object to being fact-checked? They would not. Conversely, the louder the objections, the more likely it is that the person is a liar, because they fear exposure. In Trump's case, his defiance of fact-checking is a clear indicator of his mendacity, and by extension, his followers' gullibility.

The question arises: why are his supporters so averse to fact-checking? Many suggest bias in fact-checking as a reason, arguing that fact-checkers only target Republicans. However, this argument is flawed. Fact-checkers do indeed fact-check both Democrats and Republicans, but the sheer volume of Trump’s falsehoods makes it noticeable to those who follow the news.

Moreover, by creating a culture that rejects fact-checking, Trump and his supporters are creating a fertile ground for exploitation by dishonest individuals. An example can be seen in the notorious Steve Bannon, who used fact-checker's bias as an excuse to perpetuate a fundraising scam. He claimed that donated funds would be used for border security, but instead, he kept the money, leaving his donors in the dark.

Bannon's scheme is chilling, as it demonstrates how swiftly people can be manipulated when they believe fact-checkers are biased. The gullibility of his followers allowed him to continue his fraudulent activities without consequences.

The real concern is that such a fluid and unreliable environment fosters a fertile breeding ground for deceitful and morally bankrupt individuals to exploit gullible individuals. As long as such individuals exist, the potential for exploitation remains high.

Even now, the fact-checking debate remains polarized, with many Republicans coming to Bannon's defense. This dynamic speaks to the psychological manipulation that Trump has perpetrated on his followers, turning them into unwitting enablers of his deceit.