Breakdown:

1. Introduction: The Disconnect Between Economics and Support
   • The idea that many Trump supporters continue to back him despite knowing that he hasn’t improved their economic situation reveals a deeper motivation behind their political allegiance. While they may claim economic concerns, the real driving force lies in their reaction to social and cultural changes that they perceive as threatening their way of life.
2. Wage Stagnation and Economic Struggles: A Longstanding Issue
   • For over 50 years, working-class Americans have faced wage stagnation and economic hardship, regardless of who holds political power. Both parties—Democrats and Republicans—have struggled to meaningfully improve wages or expand social benefits, leaving many voters disillusioned with promises of economic reform. This economic stagnation sets the stage for voters to focus on something else: cultural identity.
3. Cultural Resentment and the Politics of Division
   • Many Trump supporters aren’t looking for financial gains as much as they are seeking validation of their cultural values and lifestyle. Social changes—such as shifts in racial dynamics, LGBTQ rights, and immigration—have left certain segments of the population feeling alienated. Trump, along with other Republicans, taps into these fears by positioning themselves as defenders of “traditional” American values, offering a sense of belonging and identity.
4. The Role of Shared Hatred and Division
   • Republicans, aware of their inability to offer significant economic relief to the working class, have instead offered a shared enemy: marginalized groups and those perceived as threats to the established order. By stoking anger and resentment toward these groups, Trump supporters are encouraged to overlook economic stagnation in favor of fighting against what they view as the erosion of their cultural identity.
5. LBJ’s Insight: A Historical Parallel
   • This dynamic echoes Lyndon B. Johnson’s famous insight from the 1960s, where he noted that if you convince a white man that he’s better than a Black man, you can exploit him economically. Johnson’s observation still holds true today—people are willing to accept economic hardship as long as they feel superior or aligned against a common enemy. Trump’s appeal lies in reinforcing this mindset, diverting attention from material struggles to cultural battles.
6. The Decline of Economic Policy and the Rise of Identity Politics
   • Both Democrats and Republicans have failed to significantly address the economic woes of the working class, leading to disillusionment with traditional economic policy. Instead, political allegiance has shifted toward identity politics, where cultural grievances take precedence over financial concerns. For many Trump supporters, this is the real battleground.
7. Conclusion: A Movement Rooted in Identity, Not Economics
   • Trump’s continued support is not about economic outcomes but about cultural resentment and identity. His ability to tap into the fears and frustrations of working-class white Americans regarding social change has given him a loyal base, even though their material conditions have not improved. This shift reflects a broader trend in American politics, where cultural battles have overtaken economic policy as the primary driver of voter loyalty.