Pain Is the Point

Why Trump’s Base Will Eat the Shit Sandwich

Thomas Jefferson once warned, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” That warning feels eerily relevant today as we watch the economic fallout of Donald Trump’s policies take shape. His latest round of tariff proposals and economic posturing will inevitably drive up the cost of gas, groceries, and everyday goods—the very issues many of his voters claimed as their top concerns. The question is, how will they react when they get gobsmacked by the skyrocketing price of everything they thought would be cheaper?

Trump’s 2024 coalition is a mix of true believers and transactional voters. The cultists will accept any hardship as long as Trump tells them it’s worth it. They’ll justify their suffering by pointing to vague victories over "wokeness," DEI programs, and whatever new culture war bogeyman he throws their way. For them, pain is not a bug but a feature—proof of their loyalty, their willingness to sacrifice for the cause. Trump knows his MAGAts, even though a minority, have Republican legislators cowed because they fear a primary challenge from someone even loonier than they are, like Congressman Bob Good (batshit crazy) being beat by batshit crazier John McGuire. They won’t blame him for their struggles; they will blame immigrants, China, Democrats, the deep state, and the media. To them, it’s noble suffering so long as they believe their enemies suffer more.

In 2016, Trump could run as an outsider promising change. In 2020, he could blame the pandemic and "rigged" elections. But in 2024, when gas prices spike, inflation worsens, and wages stagnate under his leadership, there is no one else to blame. This time, there’s no place for him to hide.

History has shown us that people don’t like admitting they were fooled, but it has also shown that economic pain has limits. Trump’s hardcore base will endure hardships without question so long as they believe they are a part of a broader struggle against their perceived enemies. But those who backed him for purely economic reasons? They’re screwed and will have to choose between the truth and the comfort of denial.

Jefferson was right. You cannot be both ignorant and free. The voters who embraced Trump’s chaos while expecting economic stability are about to learn a harsh lesson. Will they demand accountability, or double down? We’ll find out soon enough. Meanwhile, Trump will continue to do his double jerk-off dance with the Village People. And who is he jerking off? His voters, that’s who.

For those of us watching this shitshow unfold, stay strong. It’s exhausting, but surrender is not an option.

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