The Power Elite and Conspiracy

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The above cartoon is one of many that showcase Trump's insistence on presenting various conspiracies as facts. For Trump this habit is generally used to demonize his opponents, or to bolster his own self-image. It is unclear if Trump truly believes all of the conspiracies which he encourages, however he continuously insisted that all investigations into his illegal actions were part of a democrat witch hunt. The above image shows trump being burned at the stake by various news reports beneath him, while he claims that "this is a witch hunt with no direct evidence". Despite his claims other members in the crowd point out direct pieces of evidence that prove his crimes. The flames which are burning Trump are built on documents and evidence of his crimes, which he continues to deny. Trump's insistence on there being secret forces attempting to make him look bad is fascinating because unlike many other conspiracy theorists, Trump is arguable at the center of the power elite (at least while president). Mills writes that "The power elite is composed of men whose positions enable them to transcend the ordinary environments of ordinary men and women; they are in positions to make decisions having major consequences"(1956, 3-4). It is hard to imagine a better example of the power elite than the president of the United States, an individual who is in a position to make some of the most impactful decisions imaginable.  As an insider on some of the most important decisions, Trump's insistence that there is a conspiracy of an even deeper state is unique. 

DabuDoodles, “Witch Hunting” Trump Presidency Season 6 Episode 6 Print

Mills, C. Wright. The Power Elite. 1956. 


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