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How can republicans distrust authority while also being in power?
| dirigible behemothaur | 10/29/25 |
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Date: October 29th, 2025 5:41 PM Author: dirigible behemothaur Republican distrust isn’t of all authority — it’s of specific types of authority that are perceived as liberal, globalist, or elitist. So when Republicans control the White House, Congress, or the courts, they don’t see themselves as “the establishment” — they see themselves as reclaiming power from corrupt or un-American elites (academics, bureaucrats, journalists, scientists). In their minds, they’re restoring legitimate authority, not becoming the authority they once distrusted.
Even when governing, Republicans often frame themselves as outsiders fighting a rigged system — “the swamp,” “deep state,” “mainstream media,” “coastal elites.” This rhetorical move keeps their base in a state of rebellion, emotionally. It allows them to govern while maintaining a populist identity: “We’re the people’s champions taking on the corrupt establishment,” even if they are the establishment.
A defining feature of right-wing populism worldwide is the cultivation of perpetual victimhood — even in victory. The idea is that no matter how much institutional power Republicans hold, shadowy forces (the media, universities, global corporations, the “deep state”) still control the cultural high ground. That narrative keeps supporters mobilized and aggrieved — they can “own the libs” from the seat of power while still feeling oppressed. |