Expert Rejects Labelling Trump’s MAGA as Cult
Rick Allen Ross, founder of the Cult Education Institute and author of ‘Cults Inside Out’, spoke about the definitions and warning signs of destructive cults — and addressed growing public comparisons between the MAGA movement in the United States and cult-like behaviour.
The Gaze reports about it referring to a recent episode of ‘Burning Questions’.
Ross, who has served as an expert witness in court cases involving groups such as NXIVM and Carbonation, defined destructive cults as having three key characteristics: a charismatic, authoritarian leader with unchecked power; the use of thought reform to control members; and the exploitation of followers.
When asked whether the MAGA movement or its leader, Donald Trump, meets these criteria, Ross responded that while Trump has personality traits common to some cult leaders, such as narcissism and a desire for loyalty, the political movement itself does not qualify as a cult.
‘Donald Trump was elected through a democratic process, he is accountable to courts and Congress, and his followers held most of their beliefs long before he entered politics,’ said Ross.
Host Yulia presented examples of MAGA supporters defending fabricated or contradictory statements attributed to Trump, raising concerns about blind loyalty.
Ross acknowledged those behaviours but emphasized the distinction between strong political allegiance and coercive cult dynamics.
The conversation also covered political polarization, social media echo chambers, and the risks of misusing the term ‘cult’ in public discourse.
Ross cautioned against labelling political opponents as brainwashed, noting that doing so undermines genuine cases of psychological manipulation and abuse.
The full interview is available on ‘Burning Questions’, The Gaze’s video discussion series on social and political issues.