Newsletter: Unveiling Trump Followers' Cult-Like Devotion & Lessons about Martial Arts Cults
Insights from Recent Interviews
Dear friends,
Last week, I was interviewed by Joy Reid for her show, The Reidout, on MSNBC. During the interview, we discussed the cult-like devotion of Trump supporters, who seem to revere him as a religious leader. There seems to be an aggressive appeal to promote Trump to “Jesus-like” status, equating Trump’s many legal criminal and civil cases to Jesus being crucified. I spoke about the importance of understanding that family members, friends, and the public can ask questions respectfully to empower folks to think and reality-test their beliefs and commitments. Additionally, I was invited to teach a class on "Careers in Psychiatry" to 4th-year psychiatry residents at Harvard Medical School for Dr. Jeffrey Rediger MD.
In this week's Influence Continuum podcast and blog, I had a fascinating conversation with Russell Johnson, a survivor of a martial arts group. Although martial arts groups are not typically associated with authoritarianism, the patterns of control exerted over members are strikingly similar.
As this newsletter goes out to email, I am being interviewed on the Wide Awake America podcast. We will be sure to share the link with you once it airs!
Also, two of my staff were in the totality zone of yesterday’s solar eclipse; a friend took some amazing pictures and kindly gave us permission to post them here. Scroll down for details on the above stories and to see these amazing shots!
Regarding my comments on Trump, I spoke with Joy Reid about the danger of his cult-like following and their religious fervor. Predictably, Fox News pundits (The Five) disputed my analysis. I want to clarify that my objections to Trump are not related to his political affiliations, but rather his manipulation of his followers through fear and misinformation. It is essential that we hold our leaders accountable and not grant them divine authority over us, regardless of our political views.
Watch the reaction of ‘The Five’ on FoxNews
Russell Johnson is a former member of the Korean martial arts cult Chung Moo Quan. After much negative publicity, its name was changed to Oom Yung Doe. Now a professional security consultant, activist, and podcaster, Russell got involved with the cult as a teen and was involved for eight years. We first met in the early 90s when he contacted me after reading Combating Cult Mind Control. My book helped him understand how he had been manipulated in the cult using primary BITE model tactics. I have been on his podcast, Deceived, about his experience in the Chung Moo Quan cult. He is currently working on the development of a documentary series about the cult.
Listen to the podcast, below:
Solar Eclipse 2024
Yesterday, many US states were in the totality zone, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, New York, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, where Spike, one of our FOM staff, was at an “eclipse party” hosted by her sister.
Spike, who is herself a survivor of a high-control group, reflected that it meant a lot to her and her own freedom that now she can view such an awe-filled event and process it through her own feelings and beliefs rather than having someone else interpret the event for her. After all, just like my meme, it’s your mind; only you should control it.
These pictures were taken by the talented photographer Cassandra “Strings” Jillson. Be sure to check out her Instagram page, @natureismystudio, for more!
As always, feel free to let us know what you think about these pieces, or what you’d like to see us talk about in the future. Thanks so much!
Unlock the Secrets of Authoritarian Control
Have you ever wondered how apparently well-adjusted individuals can become ensnared by the grip of mind control? Are you curious about the inner workings of cults and high-control groups? If so, our new course, "Understanding Undue Influence: The Essentials," will answer those questions and more.
This course explores the concept of the Influence Continuum, based on the BITE Model, encompassing Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional Control. By the course's end, you'll have the tools to spot the subtle signs of manipulation and shield yourself and your loved ones.
Take the first step towards gaining a deeper understanding of these complex dynamics and empower yourself.
Our Facebook group is growing and YOU are invited! Join us for insightful, respectful dialogue on cults, mind control, undue influence, authoritarianism, and much more. Together we can discuss what needs to be done to make a better world for all of us. We hope to see you there!