As of late July 2025, 45% (+/-) of Americans approve of President Trump’s performance in office. That is slightly less than the number that voted for him in 2024. Each American who approves of Trump’s performance has his/her own reasons for their opinions, but one thing they agree on is that Mr. Trump is a strong leader. This perception has been consistent across multiple polls and election cycles. Surveys repeatedly show that Trump’s supporters, especially Republicans, cite his leadership qualities—described as “strong,” “decisive,” and “willing to fight for American interests”—as a core reason for their approval

Here is how Perplexity AI explains their beliefs:

Trump’s followers perceive him as a strong, fearless leader largely because of his unwavering self-belief, confident and bold leadership style, and his readiness to confront opponents aggressively. His refusal to back down in difficult situations and willingness to make decisions that defy norms reinforces the image of fearlessness and strength. This audacity and unapologetic confidence resonate deeply with his base, who value a leader who prioritizes personal convictions over external approval and challenges the status quo.

Psychologically, many of Trump’s most loyal supporters form what researchers describe as a personality cult around him—viewing him as infallible and uniquely capable of protecting the country from threats. This cult-like loyalty is marked by disciplined, stable allegiance and perception of Trump as a savior figure. This provides his followers with assurance and strong identification with his fearless leadership persona.

Additionally, Trump’s leadership style—characterized by strategic risk-taking and commanding narrative control—furthers the perception of him as a decisive and fearless figure, willing to push forward despite criticism or controversy. His bold and often unfiltered rhetoric strengthens his appeal as a leader who is not afraid to stand firm, which consolidates his followers’ trust and admiration.

In summary, Trump’s followers think he is a strong and fearless leader because of his confident, bold, and unapologetic approach to leadership, his role as a symbolic protector in their eyes, and his ability to command loyalty through an image of unwavering self-belief and decisive action.

That is what Trump’s follower believe. But the truth is that Mr. Trump is not what he appears to be. On the surface he appears strong, but inside he is a weak man full of the fears itemized in this post. Undiscerning Americans don’t see the real Trump because he has carefully crafted compensating public behaviors that create a deceptive aura of masculine strength. He is a fraud, but his followers don’t know it.

Trump’s followers don’t know he is a fraud because, to one degree or another, they are plagued by the same assortment of fears that bother him. If they said that he is a fraud, they would be condemning themselves for lack of awareness of his real nature.

What they admire about him is the success he has achieved in managing his fears. He is one of them but is different from them because he projects confidence and assertiveness in fear management that they do not possess

Analysts and sociologists have discussed how Trump’s political rhetoric often highlights threats (e.g. crime, immigration, terrorism, etc.) that stoke a climate of fear and anxiety and positions himself as the one who can confront and overcome these dangers. This approach taps into widespread fears and uncertainties, promising not only protection but also a kind of vicarious mastery over those threats.

Trump is described as an expert at leveraging fear in political messaging. His message may be summarized this way: Be very, very afraid. I am the cure. By emphasizing dangers and casting himself as the only one who can manage or neutralize their fears (“I alone can fix it”), Trump frames himself as both similar to his followers (he shares their fears) and exceptional (he knows how to conquer them). This strategy fosters a nearly heroic status in the eyes of supporters.

Leadership theorists note that Trump employs “leadership by fear,” combined with a fast-paced, chaotic decision style that creates an environment where division and a sense of crisis are ever-present. Supporters rally behind this perceived boldness and strength because he has the will and guts to do for them what they cannot do for themselves. Thus they concede to him the authority (i.e. political power) to act on their behalf.