Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff: Best Of Series Part 1 – Psychology & Trump

Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host: Richard D. Wolff
Guest: Professor Arlie Hochschild, formerly of University of California, Berkeley
Topic: Exploring the psychological and economic factors behind Donald Trump's support base and the implications of his policies.

1. Introduction

In this special compilation episode of Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff, host Richard Wolff engages in a profound discussion with Professor Arlie Hochschild, a renowned psychologist and author. The episode, titled Best Of Series Part 1: Psychology & Trump, delves into the intricate economic and psychological landscapes that fueled Donald Trump's rise and continued support among a significant segment of the American populace.

2. Economic Decline and Voter Disillusionment

Understanding the Trump Electorate

Professor Hochschild begins by addressing a prevalent question: “How do you account, as a psychological specialist, for the election of Donald Trump?” (00:53). She explains that many blue-collar men and women, feeling economically disenfranchised, turned to Trump after feeling betrayed by traditional political figures like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama who promised prosperity and change but failed to deliver.

Hochschild: “They were working at low-wage jobs and never getting ahead... so they decided to go for somebody completely different out of the establishment.” (02:00)

Promises of Change and Economic Realities

Hochschild contrasts Trump’s message with that of Bernie Sanders, highlighting that both offered radical change and spoke compassionately about the struggles of ordinary Americans. However, while Sanders focused on attacking corporate profiteers and redistributing wealth, Trump targeted systemic corruption with his promise to "drain the swamp."

Hochschild: “Donald Trump did not mention specifically the bankers, but he said, I will attack the swamp that is full of your money.” (03:38)

3. Policy Impacts and Increasing Inequality

Cuts to Social Programs

The conversation shifts to the tangible effects of Trump’s policies. Hochschild meticulously outlines how budget cuts under Trump’s administration have disproportionately affected low-income individuals and marginalized communities.

Hochschild: “He is totally increasing [inequality] and he's taking away the food out of children's mouths in order to do that.” (08:56)

She elaborates on specific areas being targeted for cuts:

• Nutrition Programs: Reductions in WIC and other food assistance programs jeopardize the health of pregnant women and children.
• Planned Parenthood: Funding cuts threaten vital health services, including cancer screenings and STI prevention.
• Domestic Violence Services: Cuts to shelters and legal aid exacerbate vulnerabilities among women and children, increasing mortality and psychological distress.

Hochschild: “Another way that he's condemning women to death... making life more difficult from just those people, for just those people who supported Donald Trump...” (10:17)

Economic Inequality Worsens

Richard Wolff points out that these policy changes are not mitigating but rather exacerbating economic disparities.

Wolff: “Worsening the inequality that you just told.” (08:12)

Hochschild confirms, emphasizing that Trump’s policies dismantle social safety nets while favoring the wealthy and corporations.

4. The Psychological Underpinnings of Support

Shame and Exclusion

Hochschild discusses the deep-seated feelings of shame and exclusion among Trump supporters, who perceive themselves as overlooked and disparaged by societal shifts that favor minorities and marginalized groups.

Hochschild: “They suffer the shame of poverty... They feel that as transgender, gay and African American people can be proud... They feel, hey, wait a minute, my life doesn't matter.” (07:28)

"Make America Great Again" as a Moral Reclamation

The slogan resonates as a promise to restore dignity and status to those who feel left behind.

Hochschild: “I will make white men great again.” (07:40)

5. Future Prospects and Community Resilience

Social Deserts and Local Initiatives

Professor Hochschild highlights the critical role of social infrastructure in preventing the rise of extremist movements. In regions like eastern Kentucky’s 5th congressional district, the decline of community organizations has created a "social desert," fostering loneliness and vulnerability to charismatic leaders.

Hochschild: “...there is a giant repair job to be done in rural red America... radical groups, cults, you know, grow out of social deserts.” (17:00)

Hope Through Local Resilience

Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of hope through local initiatives. Hochschild cites examples like community volunteers organizing disaster relief and a surprising support for renewable energy even in traditionally coal-dependent areas.

Hochschild: “...92% of Democrats but 73% of Republicans said, yeah, we'd like [the US] to be the world leader in renewable energy.” (24:51)

This indicates potential pathways for bridging political divides through common goals like sustainability.

6. Conclusion and Ongoing Research

Richard Wolff concludes the episode by emphasizing the importance of understanding the true sentiments of the American people to forge effective economic and social policies. Professor Hochschild confirms her commitment to ongoing research, promising future insights into the evolving dynamics of Trump's support base.

Hochschild: “...the most ardently Trump person that I was to me was full of paradoxes in the sense that he's actually for renewable energy.” (28:15)

Wolff underscores the value of such research in shaping informed and compassionate economic strategies.

Key Takeaways

• Economic Disillusionment: Persistent economic hardships and unfulfilled promises by traditional politicians drove many to support Trump.
• Policy Impacts: Trump’s administration has implemented policies that increase economic inequality and undermine social welfare programs, adversely affecting his supporter base.
• Psychological Factors: Feelings of shame, exclusion, and the desire to reclaim lost status play significant roles in sustaining Trump’s support.
• Social Infrastructure: Strengthening community organizations and addressing social isolation are crucial in combating extremist support.
• Bridging Divides: Shared goals, such as advancing renewable energy, present opportunities for political reconciliation and mutual support across party lines.

Notable Quotes

• Hochschild on Economic Stagnation:
  “They're working harder and harder and they're getting nowhere.” (02:00)

• Hochschild on Policy Cuts:
  “He's totally increasing [inequality] and he's taking away the food out of children's mouths...” (08:56)

• Wolff on Inequality:
  “Worsening the inequality that you just told.” (08:12)

• Hochschild on Shame and Exclusion:
  “They feel, hey, wait a minute, my life doesn't matter.” (07:28)

• Hochschild on Community Repair:
  “...there is a giant repair job to be done in rural red America...” (17:00)

• Hochschild on Renewable Energy Support:
  “92% of Democrats but 73% of Republicans said, yeah, we'd like [the US] to be the world leader in renewable energy.” (24:51)

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic and psychological factors underpinning Donald Trump's support, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive and equitable policies to address the deep-seated frustrations of the American working class.