How Trump Evolved from a Moderate Republican to the Symbol of the Far-Right

Donald Trump is often remembered as a fervent supporter of the far-right, which is quite surprising when considering his early political affiliations and character. Many are unaware of his past as a Democrat who endorsed Hillary Clinton and his brief stint with the Reform Party. This journey into the far-right and political shifts have been integral to understanding modern politics.

Trump's Early Political Career

When Trump decided to venture into politics, it was initially driven by his business interests. However, his political stance was far from what one might expect from a far-right symbol. He first considered representing the Democrats and sought their nomination. Sadly, the Democrats did not see merit in him, leading him to the Republicans.

From Democrat to Republican

Trump's journey to the Republican Party saw him endorsing progressive policies while claiming to remain a conservative during his time in the Reform Party. This period was fraught with challenges, as he objected to sharing the party platform with controversial figures such as former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke, paleoconservative Pat Buchanan, and political reformist Lenora Fulani. As a result, he defected to the Democrats and remained a party member for eight years, endorsing Hillary Clinton in the 2008 election.

Trump's Feud with Obama

After Hillary Clinton’s failed bid in the primaries, Trump decided to support Republican John McCain, showing an increasing dislike for Barack Obama. Their personal tension reached its peak, with each side making accusations over the other. Trump's switch from Democrat to independent temporarily dealt him a setback, but he soon found a political home with the Republicans following his speech at CPAC in 2011.

The Rise of Trump and Bannon

The turning point in Trump's political career came when he met Steve Bannon, co-founder of the far-right news site Breitbart and a staunch supporter of his anti-liberal agenda. Bannon recognized Trump's potential and orchestrated his involvement in the 2016 election. Together, they leveraged his rising popularity, especially from his TV show, The Celebrity Apprentice, and an increasingly radical Republican base.

The Role of Breitbart and Cambridge Analytica

Bannon's anti-liberal agenda was more than just rhetoric; it influenced Trump's campaign strategy. His Breitbart supporters fanned out, and this grassroots movement, combined with Cambridge Analytica's data-mining techniques, helped Trump secure a surprising victory. The focus on his rallies and inflammatory speeches helped galvanize moderate and undecided voters, who were not expecting such a strong performance from Trump.

The Trumpification of the Far-Right

Since his presidency, right-wing cults have emerged, fueled by misinformation and media bias. The line between what is fact and fiction has blurred, and Trump's policies have been attributed to a leftist attack, regardless of their factual basis. Even now, the remnants of radical Republican figures and influential right-wingers continue to support him, turning him into a symbol of the far-right.

Trump's journey from a moderate politician to a far-right symbol is a complex narrative that illustrates the versatility of political adaptability. His rise and the subsequent radicalization of his political base have left a lasting impact on American politics.