As a physician and someone who values open dialogue, I empathize with those who find themselves grappling with the distressing reality that a loved one supports Donald Trump. It’s a bewildering and often heartbreaking situation that many of us never anticipated facing.
Yes, I have a family member who is a staunch Trump supporter. This isn’t mere satire or a hypothetical discussion; this individual is prepared to cast their vote on November 8, endorsing him as the President of the United States. The realization is painful, and I recognize the necessity of preserving our relationship. However, discussing politics with them feels like a recipe for disaster—an emotional eruption threatening to unleash a torrent of words like “xenophobic,” “misogynistic,” and “egotistical.” To maintain harmony, I choose to avoid mentioning Trump altogether. Fortunately, they are aware of my views and tend to steer clear of political discussions, especially since we’ve shared moments watching news channels together.
Here are the seven stages of grief that might resonate with anyone discovering that a cherished person supports Trump:
- Shock/Disbelief
“No way!” I exclaimed over the phone to my loved one’s partner, Mark. “I know,” he replied quietly. “I can’t believe it either. It’s like they’ve been brainwashed!” It’s hard to fathom how someone I share blood with can have such a starkly different perspective.
- Denial
When I visited my loved one, I did my best to ignore the cacophony of Fox News in the background. I pretended that we were a united family, blissfully unaware of the ideological chasm that had formed. I bit my tongue so hard I nearly drew blood, all the while suppressing my frustrations.
- Anger
Seriously? How could anyone choose a leader who thrives on inciting anger, fear, and division? His rhetoric targets everyone—women, veterans, minorities, and even children. How can my loved one truly believe in the absurdity of building a wall? This feels like a collective regression for America. We are all immigrants; we must remember that.
- Bargaining
In a moment of desperation, I prayed, “Please help my loved one see the truth about Trump!” And then, the Republican convention happened, and I thought surely my prayers had been heard. I asked Mark, “Did you watch the news?”
“Yes,” he replied.
“And?”
“He still supports him.”
“How can that be? Trump said, ‘I like people who weren’t captured!’” All Mark could do was sigh. - Guilt
Did I inadvertently steer my loved one away with my own political fervor back in 2008? Could I have somehow prevented this? Perhaps if I had managed to sneakily turn off the Fox News during our family gatherings, things might have been different.
- Depression
I found solace in old interviews of Trump with David Letterman, trying to remind myself that most Americans possess the sense and kindness to reject a candidate who can’t go a few sentences without lying. They even timed him!
- Acceptance (and Hope)
Ultimately, we are all entitled to our opinions—even if the safety of our world hinges on a more unified stance against Trump’s antics. I must accept that my loved one is misguided yet still a good person at heart.
So, there you have it—the emotional journey you might traverse when discovering someone dear to you has chosen to support Trump. As we approach November 9, let’s hold onto hope that reason prevails and that he will retreat to his gilded lifestyle, away from the political arena.
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Summary
This article explores the emotional stages of grappling with the knowledge that a loved one supports Donald Trump. It outlines feelings ranging from shock and denial to acceptance, emphasizing the need for understanding and maintaining familial relationships despite political differences.