The Rise of Betrayal Trauma in the Trump Era
As President Donald Trump continues to make sweeping decisions—from investing in UFC stock before a White House event to escalating tensions with Iran without congressional approval—many Americans are asking, "Is anyone going to stop him?" This sense of helplessness has a name: betrayal trauma.
According to Sandra Maurer, a licensed professional clinical counselor in Minnesota, people often assume life is fair and that unlawful actions will be punished. "We watch somebody get away with horrible things without accountability, and that's hard for us," she said. This emotional response extends beyond Trump himself to leaders meant to protect the nation from power abuse.
Understanding Betrayal Trauma
Betrayal trauma, a term coined by psychologists, describes the trauma experienced when someone you reasonably trust—a partner, doctor, or authority figure—violates that trust. "Betrayals are traumatic because there's a double hurt," explained Manahil Riaz, a Houston-based psychotherapist. "We're hurt by the action and by losing our ability to judge safety and reality."
Riaz introduces the concept of institutional betrayal: harm done within an institution. "When we think about the Trump administration, it's not a person but an administration," she noted. Institutional betrayal occurs when an entity fails to acknowledge harm or misconduct. "It mirrors betrayal in relationships," Riaz added.
Maurer observed that Americans once had faith in government institutions. "No one thought things were perfect, but we trusted them. We've watched them be hollowed out and fail in ways we didn't think possible. That's jarring to the psyche."
The Emotional Toll on Citizens
Taryn Rothstein, a licensed clinical social worker in New York, highlighted the distrust this betrayal creates. "It makes you feel they don't care about you. We vote, and you're supposed to represent us. Our voices should matter. It doesn't feel that way anymore." This betrayal affects both Trump voters and non-voters, though differently.
For non-voters, Rothstein said, "They see rights being taken away, public services cut, and vulnerable populations politicized. People don't feel safe." Safety and betrayal are linked: "When you feel betrayed, you feel unsafe. There's no shared agreement on truth, accountability, or rules. It's psychologically unsettling."
Some Trump voters may feel disappointed by chaos or policy decisions, leading to betrayal trauma. However, those satisfied with his actions may not feel betrayed. Riaz noted that some supporters exhibit "betrayal blindness," a survival mechanism where they deny harm. "They say, 'Trump is doing great; he'll get there,' ignoring reality."
Coping with Betrayal and Institutional Trauma
Not everyone experiences betrayal trauma from the Trump administration. For some, it's disturbing but not traumatizing; for others—like those detained by ICE, losing jobs due to cuts, or having loved ones deported—it's life-altering. Maurer recommends seeking a trauma-informed therapist via databases like Psychology Today.
"Don't gaslight yourself," Maurer advised. "Connect with others and validate your distress. It makes sense to feel this way." Community is crucial, Rothstein added: "People in your community usually aren't betraying you. Lean on them, especially if you're marginalized. Help your community and make small changes that ripple into larger ones."
Riaz emphasized establishing safety: "Take news-free days, set boundaries on news consumption, and limit doomscrolling." These steps can help restore a sense of control and security in uncertain times.
Ultimately, acknowledging betrayal trauma is the first step toward healing. By seeking support, building community, and creating personal boundaries, individuals can navigate the psychological impact of institutional betrayal and work toward a more trusting future.
