Exactly. If Trump is criticized for something, they know it’s not true because it was just made up by Trump haters. Trump haters are anybody who criticizes him.

Also, there’s a “bed of nails” aspect to criticisms levied against him. When the strictures are this numerous, they become less pointed and easier to individually ignore.

I remember during the January 6 hearings, my Trumpy father-in-law dismissed the whole thing because he thought everyone involved were people who "Trump embarrassed"

This is similar to what I realized about how born-again evangelical Christians justify their support of Trump: Every report of immoral and corrupt behavior is just made up lies from the media (or Trump haters). It's all immediately dismissed--I saw this firsthand and it was an "a-ha moment" for me.This is similar to what I realized about how born-again evangelical Christians justify their support of Trump: Every report of immoral and corrupt behavior is just made up lies from the media (or Trump haters). It's all immediately dismissed--I saw this firsthand and it was an "a-ha moment" for me.

Definition of a narcissistic sociopath, right there…

This is why it’s always been so hard to counter his lies and disinformation. You can’t just let it slide, that’s tantamount to agreeing with it, but if you point out its falsity, you’re piling on with all the haters. It’s win-win for him. Any suggestions for a way through the impasse?

It's the classic conspiracy theory mindset. Any evidence that contradicts the theory is just further evidence of how deep the conspiracy goes.

Does this beg the question?

Very ouroboros. Well, one can hope that movement eats itself.

As usual, LIFE OF BRIAN is revealed as a documentary.