In recent years, mental health professionals and scholars of authoritarian psychology have raised alarms about the psychological mechanisms at play in certain political movements — most notably, the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. While it’s crucial to approach this topic with nuance and avoid sweeping generalizations, there is growing concern among experts that the behavior of some factions within this movement exhibits cult-like characteristics.

Understanding these dynamics is not about name-calling; it’s about identifying patterns of undue influence, emotional manipulation, and thought control — patterns that can affect anyone, regardless of ideology.

What Makes a Group “Cult-Like”?

Dr. Robert Jay Lifton, a renowned psychiatrist and author of Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism, outlined eight criteria that define environments of “thought reform,” a term he preferred over “brainwashing.” These include:

• Milieu control

• Demand for purity

• Cult of confession

• Sacred science

• Loading the language

• Doctrine over person

• Dispensing of existence

Many of these traits are observable in high-control religious groups, authoritarian regimes — and increasingly, in certain political movements.

Steven Hassan, a former cult member and author of The Cult of Trump, applies his BITE Model (Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional control) to analyze political radicalization. According to Hassan, “What makes a cult is not what it believes, but how it gets people to believe it.” His work emphasizes that undue influence can manifest in any setting where critical thinking is discouraged and loyalty to a singular leader is paramount.

Cult-Like Characteristics in the MAGA Movement

1. Absolute Loyalty to a Central Figure

In healthy political systems, allegiance is to shared values or governing principles. In MAGA spaces, however, loyalty often centers on one individual: Donald Trump. Disagreement or dissent, even within the Republican Party, is often met with accusations of betrayal. Hassan refers to this as “identity fusion” — where personal and group identity merge into total loyalty to a leader.

2. In-Group vs. Out-Group Thinking

MAGA rhetoric frequently defines its members as “true patriots” while branding critics as “traitors,” “globalists,” or “deep state operatives.” Dr. Lifton identified this type of dichotomous thinking as a hallmark of thought reform environments: the group is pure; the outside world is corrupt.

3. Rejection of Objective Reality

During and after the 2020 election, numerous court rulings, audits, and bipartisan certifications affirmed the legitimacy of the results. Still, the MAGA movement widely promoted the “Stop the Steal” narrative. Hassan notes that “information control” is a central tenet of cultic influence — where inconvenient facts are reframed or dismissed entirely.

Dr. Bandy X. Lee, a forensic psychiatrist at Yale and editor of The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump, has described this dynamic as “shared psychosis” or “folie à millions” — a mass psychological event in which a leader’s pathology is adopted by a large group, distorting their ability to interpret reality.

4. Apocalyptic and Persecution Narratives

Many MAGA-aligned figures portray the movement as engaged in an existential battle for the soul of America. Trump’s own claim that “I am your retribution” during a 2023 CPAC speech echoes classic messianic or savior language, a theme common in cultic leadership.

5. Suppression of Dissent

Republicans like Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, who criticized Trump, were censured and ostracized. Cults often enforce conformity by publicly punishing dissenters, thereby sending a message to others: fall in line or be excommunicated.

6. Sacred Language and Symbolism

From chants like “Lock her up!” to the red MAGA hat serving as a badge of loyalty, symbolic rituals are deeply embedded in MAGA culture. These behaviors are not inherently harmful — but when used to enforce uniformity and emotional arousal, they can become tools of coercive influence.

Why This Matters for Mental Health Professionals

Political passion is not pathological. However, when belief systems become immune to criticism, disconnected from reality, and emotionally manipulative, they can foster trauma, paranoia, and social division — not just in adherents, but in families and communities caught in the ripple effects.

Dr. Lee warns that ignoring these dynamics can result in “a mental health crisis masquerading as a political one.” Therapists are increasingly seeing clients affected by political estrangement, radicalized family members, and loss of trust in democratic institutions.

Conclusion: The Need for Critical Thinking and Compassion

Recognizing cult-like behaviors in political life does not mean dehumanizing those involved. Most followers are not fanatics; they are often scared, disenfranchised, or seeking belonging in a chaotic world. Cultic dynamics exploit these vulnerabilities. As mental health professionals — and as citizens — our job is not to shame, but to illuminate. By understanding the psychological tactics at play, we empower individuals to reconnect with their agency, reality, and compassion.

If You’re Struggling With Political Estrangement or Group Influence

If you’ve found yourself overwhelmed by political division in your family or community — or questioning your own beliefs and emotional responses — therapy can help. Understanding coercive control and reclaiming critical thinking are vital parts of mental and emotional health.

Feel free to reach out for support, resources, or a consultation.