Trump’s Falsehoods Are Not Lies — They Are Contempt, And His Base Is Starting To Notice

Donald Trump’s long history of falsehoods has often been dismissed as mere lies or political spin. But philosopher Robert B Talisse argues that Trump isn’t actually lying — he’s doing something far more corrosive: expressing contempt.

From birther conspiracies to inflated crowd sizes and fabricated economic victories, Trump’s false claims have rarely been about convincing anyone of a new reality. Instead, Talisse suggests, Trump uses these blatant untruths to taunt the press and his political opponents, effectively declaring, “You cannot stop me.” This defiant posture has been a cornerstone of his brand, energizing a movement that sees itself as fighting a corrupt political swamp.

Yet the dynamic is shifting. Recent data shows growing disappointment among Trump’s base over issues like tariffs, inflation, the Iran conflict, and the unresolved Epstein files. These are not minor grumbles but signs that his supporters feel betrayed — not just lied to, but actively disrespected.

When Trump claims grocery prices are falling or that his tariffs are working, he isn’t just wrong. He is belittling the very people suffering under these policies. Talisse calls this a betrayal by contempt, where Trump’s falsehoods become weapons aimed at those who once trusted him.

Fact-checking alone cannot explain this shift. True believers rarely abandon their convictions when confronted with facts. Instead, the erosion of support likely stems from a dawning recognition that Trump’s contempt is now directed at them as well.

This is a critical moment for accountability. Trump’s pattern of contemptuous falsehoods has long undermined democratic norms and public trust. Now, as his base recoils, it’s clear that his brand of politics carries real costs — costs felt not just by his opponents, but by the voters who put him in power.

We will keep tracking these developments. Because when contempt replaces honesty, democracy itself is on the line.