Cults are social movements that have two primary components: a charismatic, self-righteous leader and an aggrieved population. The latter are individuals who feel threatened, ridiculed or otherwise marginalized.
While I hesitate to refer to Trump as a charismatic leader, his bombastic pronouncements, however self-promoting, appeal to a large number of Americans. These followers, who condone if not support his lack of respect for established norms and institutions, claim to be held back by, of all things, human rights. Egged on by Trump's rhetoric, they feel threatened by persons-of-color, non-Christians, immigrants, members of the LGBQT community, conservationists and, especially, the perceived "Dark Forces" that control our country.
As with most cults, their leader is a deeply flawed individual; above all else, he is a supreme narcissist who could care less about the welfare of his devoted minions. Encouraging them to spread conspiracies and attack opponents, Trump will abandon them if their actions place his own power or freedom at risk.
