TRUMP DOESN'T BELIEVE ANYTHING. THAT'S WHY HE WINS

Donald Trump's transactional approach to politics is a cornerstone of his success, allowing him to navigate contradictions and balance competing interests without alienating his diverse coalition. By having few core beliefs, Trump avoids the limitations that moral consistency imposes on traditional politicians. This enables him to take contradictory stances, such as nominating Morgan Ortagus while undermining her publicly, or appealing simultaneously to opposing factions like evangelical Zionists and Muslim anti-Zionists.

Trump's lack of principled commitments creates opportunities for voters from various groups to project their agendas onto him. His approach contrasts sharply with traditional politicians like Kamala Harris, who faced criticism for ideological inconsistencies, and others like Mitt Romney, who were labeled flip-floppers. While this political style fuels cynicism and corruption, it has undeniably been advantageous for Trump. His candid acknowledgment of political trade-offs, free from pretense, has made him an effective coalition leader and solidified his electoral base.

Rosenberg, Yair. "Trump Doesn't Believe Anything. That's Why He Wins." *The Atlantic*, 9 Jan. 2025,