Terry Kelly is a past-president of Australian Skeptics (Victorian Branch) Inc. and remains significantly involved with skeptical activism and the organisation of events in Victoria. Terry has been involved with skepticism in Victoria for over 25 years.

As Donald Trump enters the second year of his second presidency, many Americans and citizens of other democracies around the globe are asking themselves what the heck is going on. Indeed leaders and citizens of non-democratic nations would also be asking themselves the same question.

Trump seems to behave as if he believes he is guaranteed whatever he desires. This behaviour includes ignoring his country’s constitution, the standard powers of Congress and the US Senate, whilst rejecting international law and human rights. One could go on. Yet, it is compelling that once surrounded with reckless, egotistical enablers, the US President pardoned the criminals who stormed the US Capitol, and today is defending the ill-trained paramilitary “immigration officials” who shot dead two US citizens in Minneapolis. Those calling his administration fascist, do so with strong arguments.

Ignore Greenland, Venezuela, Iran, Gaza, Canada, Russia, Ukraine, Epstein and the threat of tariffs. Not because we should, but because we need to ask “why”? Domestically, why is he still in office? Why isn’t the entire nation demanding his removal? The answer is disturbingly simple. Because so many adore him. Millions of Americans believe he is a great president, returning the nation to some ill-defined vaguery – a place in the past. Many thousands in positions of power ensure he gets what he wants either by action or self-preserving inaction.

So the real question is why is this happening? Why do they adore him? Or fear him? Other signs suggest MAGA is a cult. Is MAGA a cult?