Koch Talks to Agence France Presse About Trump, Hero Worshipping

July 17, 2024

Agence France Presse

Natalie Koch

Geography & the Environment Department

Center for Qualitative and Multi-Method Inquiry

Central Asia & the Caucasus Initiative

Middle Eastern Studies Program

Federal

Religion

U.S. Elections

United States

Agence France Presse

Natalie Koch

Devotees of Donald Trump have long proclaimed he was chosen by God to save the United States—but the messianic fervor has hit new heights after the Republican presidential candidate narrowly survived an assassination attempt.

Such hero worship benefits both the mythologized leader and followers, says Natalie Koch, professor of geography and the environment. “By building up that cult and joining that and being part of that, they get a sense of community.”

They also gain a vehicle to pursue their political interests, from evangelicals with a religious agenda to the ultra wealthy hoping for massive tax cuts, Koch adds.

Read more in the Agence France Presse article, “Trump faithful see God's hand in assassination escape.”