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Kinzinger: Trump's Tactics Strengthen Loyalty Among Supporters

4/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Adam Kinzinger, former U.S. Representative for Illinois, says U.S. President Donald Trump has created a humiliation cycle that strengthens Trump's base.
Kinzinger explains that each Trump demand, such as accepting 2020 results or justifying January 6, binds supporters more tightly.
He says this manipulation makes it hard for followers to admit they were wrong.
Kinzinger predicts some may leave, but many will stay loyal, and escaping the cycle grows harder.

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Story summary

Adam Kinzinger, former U.S. Representative for Illinois, says U.S. President Donald Trump has created a humiliation cycle that strengthens Trump's base.
Kinzinger explains that each Trump demand, such as accepting 2020 results or justifying January 6, binds supporters more tightly.
He says this manipulation makes it hard for followers to admit they were wrong.
Kinzinger predicts some may leave, but many will stay loyal, and escaping the cycle grows harder.