Why Trump supporters relish liberal suffering, according to a cognitive scientist

During an interview, cognitive scientist Stephan Lewandowski discussed the psychological drivers behind the enjoyment some Trump supporters find in causing distress to liberal targets. He linked the phenomenon to the dark-triad of personality traits—psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism—commonly observed in online trolls, and suggested that similar traits likely exist among MAGA voters despite a lack of direct data.

Lewandowski highlighted the paradox of these individuals seeking compassion when they suffer while showing little concern for the harm they inflict on groups like minorities, immigrants and journalists. He compared their self-pity to the attitudes of Nazi defendants at Nuremberg and described the behavior as a form of trolling. The expert also pointed to deeper currents of racism, misogyny and a belief that only certain groups deserve aid, noting that these attitudes can predict voting patterns. Examples cited included farmers opposing welfare for others while demanding subsidies, and the public’s sympathy for controversial figures such as Andrew Tate despite his alleged crimes.