Based on recent and ongoing psychological research, the motivation and characteristics of Donald Trump’s supporters involve a complex mix of personality traits, cultural anxieties, economic concerns, and a strong sense of group identity. Studies from 2024 and 2025 have further explored these factors, with some identifying a core group of highly loyal followers exhibiting distinct psychological traits. 

Personality and disposition

Psychological research has focused on personality factors that differentiate Trump supporters, especially the most loyal followers, from other voters.

• “Dark” personality traits: Recent studies have found that individuals who view Trump favorably are more likely to score higher on traits associated with the “Dark Triad,” which includes psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. These traits reflect manipulativeness, emotional callousness, and entitlement.
• Lower empathy: This research also suggests that Trump supporters tend to report lower levels of empathy and may exhibit “dissonant empathy,” or a seeming enjoyment of others’ pain.
• High conscientiousness (for loyalists): A 2024 study in Political Psychology found that Trump’s most loyal followers, who make up about 10% of the population, score high on conscientiousness, particularly the “self-discipline” facet. This reflects a tendency toward loyalty, persistence, and reliability, and is distinct from the general trait of conscientiousness often linked with traditional conservatism.
• Low openness: Loyal supporters also tend to have a low degree of “openness to experience,” meaning they are less curious, original, or interested in new ideas. 

Societal and cultural anxieties

Many psychological studies emphasize the role of broader societal anxieties and perceptions of threat in driving support for Trump.

• Authoritarianism: A core factor identified early in Trump’s campaigns is authoritarianism, a personality style sensitive to threats against the social or moral order. Trump’s “I alone can fix it” message and “Make America Great Again” slogan strongly appeal to voters who seek a strong leader to restore order.
• Group dominance and prejudice: Research consistently shows a link between support for Trump and a desire for one’s in-group to dominate out-groups, a concept known as Social Dominance Orientation (SDO). This is often tied to higher levels of prejudice against immigrants and other minority groups.
• Cultural displacement fears: Some white working-class voters were swayed by fears of cultural displacement, with those feeling like “strangers in their own land” more likely to support Trump.
• White identity politics: The importance of white identity has also been a key factor, with a 2024 UCLA report noting that white support for Trump was highest in counties with low immigration, contradicting his anti-immigrant rhetoric. 

Economic and political drivers

While personality and cultural issues are significant, economic and political factors remain central to many supporters’ motivations.

• Policy over character: For many voters in the 2024 election, policy alignment was a higher priority than a candidate’s character. Exit polls showed that while voters had reservations about Trump’s personality, they prioritized his policy platform on issues like the economy and immigration.
• Economic concerns: In the 2024 election, economic policy and inflation were key motivators for Trump voters across various demographics, including some Black, Latino, and young voters.
• Dissatisfaction with the opposition: Voter disappointment with policies associated with the Biden/Harris administration was a notable factor, with some voters associating it with economic strain.
• Distrust of institutions: Trump’s rhetoric against elite institutions, including the media and academia, resonates with voters who believe the system is rigged against them. Studies of the most loyal supporters show that they believe the media disrespects Trump, validating his “us vs. them” framing. 
  
  _{Posted 9-22-2025 by Score Card}