In the political landscape, power dynamics are always in play, but what happens when these dynamics shift from the usual tug-of-war into the realm of coercive control? As we reflect on Trump's time in office, we see parallels between his tactics and strategies and the pattern often seen in intimate relationships characterized by coercive control. Here, we'll use the Quicksand Model® of coercive control to dissect this further.

Before we delve into the specifics, let's set the stage with some understanding of the Quicksand Model® and its E's: ensnare, entrap, exploit, prevent escape through escalation, erase, and eradicate. These strategies and tactics of coercive control align with the coercive controller's goals for domination. They act as the blueprint for the coercive controller's actions, allowing them to systematically manipulate and dominate their target. Each 'E' corresponds to a specific goal the coercive controller seeks to tighten their grip, gradually turning the ground beneath the victim into quicksand. This model is not exclusive to personal relationships; it's broad enough to apply to any situation where one entity exerts a pattern of power over another, including, as we'll see, the realm of politics.

The Ensnarement: Crafty Maneuvers and Deception

Trump's election campaign can be seen as a masterful use of coercive control to ensnare the American people. He skillfully manipulated public sentiment with promises of a brighter future and a stronger nation. His charismatic speeches and grandiose vision acted as a mirage, drawing voters in. The deceptive tactics and strategies he deployed were akin to those often used in other coercive control scenarios, like domestic abuse and controlling groups, designed to gain trust and admiration.

Trump's savvy use of love-bombing (aka manipulative kindness) and future-faking reminiscent of a mirage in the desert, successfully ensnared the public, making them believe Trump would be the ideal leader for a prosperous future, and was a sign of the entrapment of the American populace to come.

The Entrapment: Deceptive Mirage of a Better Future

Once elected, the stage was set for a power play of unprecedented proportions. With Republicans holding sway in every government branch, Trump positioned himself where he could wield unchecked power, setting in motion the entrapment of the American people in the quicksand of coercive control. Trump, with his unchecked power, was emboldened to wield his authority in ways that bypassed the usual checks and balances of American politics. And, when he was checked, he simply acted anyway. This dominant position set the stage for potential exploitation, creating an ever more precarious situation for the American public. 

The Exploitation: Flexing Global Might

Trump used his presidential power (and violations of The US Constitution) to exploit resources and exert control globally. From leveraging his position to exploit Ukraine's resources to imposing tariffs on foreign countries, his tactics were reminiscent of the exploitation stage of the Quicksand Model®. His threats to annex Canada, Greenland, and Gaza were further signs of this exploitation. 

Note on the Nature of Coercive Control

While we've observed a seemingly linear progression of Trump's application of the E's of coercive control, it's important to clarify that coercive control does not typically follow a cyclical or linear pattern. As we'll explore, those who employ coercive control often revisit earlier tactics and strategies to reinforce their hold, particularly when they perceive that their targeted victim might be on the verge of escaping the quicksand of coercive control. This fluidity and adaptability are key characteristics of coercive control, making it a complex and often insidious form of domination.

The Escalation: Coercing Continuation

In a classic move to prevent the citizens of the US to escape from the quicksand Trump used both overt and covert threats and promises to force through the continuing resolution. This action served to accelerate the already spiraling abuses of power, mirroring the escalation often seen in coercive relationships.

Eradicating Opposition: The Deportation Orders

Trump's disregard for court orders, leading to the deportation of alleged gang members, is an example of strategic eradication in the Quicksand Model®. By removing those he saw as opposition, he further entrenched his power.

Erasing Identity: The Attack on DEI and Gender Terms

Trump continues to seek to erase identities that do not align with his vision. This involves removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, expunging the word "gender" from government websites, and encouraging the misgendering of LGBTQ and trans people, including a trans elected state representative. Coercive controllers often employ tactics and strategies that erase the identity of the controlled, and we are watching this play out on a national scale.

In conclusion, the patterns of coercive control that we often see in coercive and controlling relationships are disturbingly apparent in Trump's governance. Using the E's of the Quicksand Model®, we can analyze the dynamics of his reign, understand the tactics and strategies used, and hopefully, be better prepared to recognize and resist such patterns in the future. Perhaps we might even discover on a visceral level why it is so hard for targeted victims of domestic violence to escape coercive controllers, and stop asking the victim-blaming question "Why doesn't she just leave?"

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NOTE: Leaving a coercive controller can be very dangerous, so it's important to seek help before doing so. Numerous resources are available on ECCUSA's resource page to assist you.