Donald Trump and the Lie

The legitimacy of democratically elected governments rests in part on widespread acceptance the outcome elections, especially among those who lost. This “losers’ consent” allows winners to govern, and when incumbent is losing party, it for a peaceful transition power. What happens democratic system one side not only refuses concede but also actively perpetuates lies about outcome? article studies evolution public opinion Donald Trump’s “big lie” using rolling cross-sectional daily tracking survey, yielding 40 days polls more than 20,000 responses from US voters October 27, 2020, through January 29, 2021. We find that lie pervasive sticky: number Republicans independents saying they believe election was fraudulent substantial, this proportion did change appreciably over time or shift after important political developments. Belief may have buoyed some Trump supporters’ self-esteem. In reaction threat brought power, there significant rise support violent activism Democrats, which waned efforts overturn clearly failed. Even if these findings merely reflect partisan cheerleading, we nonetheless potentially long-term consequences lie. A conjoint experiment shows Republican reward politicians perpetuate lie, giving candidates an incentive continue do so next electoral cycle. These raise concerns fragility American democracy.