https://northdenvernews.com/militant-ignorance-as-the-core-of-trumpism-an-analysis-of-ideological-and-institutional-metastasis/

https://trump.fiorreports.com/militant-ignorance-and-the-ideological-core-of-trumpism-a-multidimensional-analysis/

What is "militant ignorance" in the context of Trumpism, and how does it manifest?

Militant ignorance, in the context of Trumpism, is not simply a lack of knowledge but an active and deliberate resistance to facts, expertise, and democratic norms. It is characterized by a rejection of institutional accountability in favor of emotional appeals, conspiracy theories, and loyalty to Donald Trump. This includes denying factual information, dismissing expert opinions, and embracing narratives that support a particular political agenda, often regardless of their basis in reality.

What are the ideological roots of militant ignorance within Trumpism?

The ideological roots of Trumpist ignorance stem from a reaction against liberal democratic norms and a resurgence of populist sentiment often referred to as "Middle American Radicalism." This includes anti-elitism, which frames institutions like the judiciary, media, and academia as corrupt or aligned with cosmopolitan elites. Additionally, conspiracy theories and "epistemic closure," where emotionally satisfying narratives are prioritized over empirical evidence, play a significant role in reinforcing this rejection of factual information.

 How has Trumpism weaponized the executive branch, and what are the implications for democratic norms?

Trumpism seeks to weaponize the executive branch by prioritizing political loyalty over nonpartisan expertise and constitutional checks and balances. This includes plans to use the military to suppress domestic unrest, defund agencies perceived as oppositional, and replace career civil servants with political operatives. These tactics are designed to dismantle the separation of powers and erode institutional accountability, effectively institutionalizing militant ignorance within the government.

 How does Trump's "cult of personality" contribute to militant ignorance?

Trump’s "cult of personality" relies on emotional appeals that bypass critical scrutiny and foster loyalty through shared victimhood and defiance of perceived elites. This emotional bonding reinforces tribal identity, where admitting error or acknowledging facts that contradict the narrative is seen as a betrayal. This emotional connection often overrides rational analysis and reinforces the rejection of factual information.