The Daily Beast Podcast I Was in a Cult. This Is How I Know Trump is One
Nov 3, 2025
Dr. Steven Hassan, a mental health professional and cult expert, reveals how Trump's movement embodies classic political cult traits, from manipulated grievances to online indoctrination. He discusses the psychological tactics Trump uses to maintain control and the emotional silos his supporters find themselves in. Additionally, Hassan offers strategies for reconnecting with estranged loved ones in the MAGA movement and critiques Democrats for their shortcomings. He emphasizes the need for long-term strategies to counteract cult-like influence in politics.
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From Recruit To Whistleblower
- Steven Hassan recounts being recruited into the Moonies at 19 and groomed as a leader tasked with taking over institutions.
- He woke up after deprogramming following a near-fatal van crash and realized Moon was a liar, which triggered his lifelong study of cults.
Moon's Plan To Infiltrate Government
- Hassan recalls Sun Myung Moon telling followers to infiltrate the U.S. government and replace democracy with a theocracy.
- He describes internal Moon speeches outlining plans to amend the Constitution and impose severe penalties on dissenters.
BITE Model Of Authoritarian Influence
- Hassan defines authoritarian mind-control cults by four controls: behavior, information, thought, and emotion (BITE model).
- He stresses many fandoms aren't cults, but authoritarian groups disrupt identity and create dependency.
