An Exclusive Insider Interview
To say the least, Charles is not a member of Antifa: “I have been a registered independent for the past decade-plus," he says. But since January 6, his red-state family has viewed him as an infidel. After having been assured anonymity, Charles (not his real name) told The Insider his story this week.
The Insider:
Which of your close family members support Trump?
Charles:
"Originally, my father in 2015. My two sisters, in their 50s, followed to please him, then they converted my mom in 2020. One of my sisters has three kids (24, 28, 30) who support him. "
The Insider:
What is it that they like about Trump? Is it financial? Religious? Anti-abortion? Something else?
Charles:
"I honestly do not know, but I have come to realize they respond to his 'tough guy' style of speaking. None of them really has a grasp of politics and policy, but they fall for talking points, not caring to follow up on fulfillment. Anti-abortion plays a part in their views, although stories behind each of them cast doubt on the seriousness of this position."
The Insider:
How involved in the pro-Trump movement have they been? Do they go to rallies? Donate money?
Charles:
"My dad passed in 2018, but the others have attended rallies, wear MAGA hats and shirts, and put up signs in 2016 and 2020. I assume they also donate money, but have not asked. "
The Insider:
When did it start to concern you, or affect your relationship with them?
Charles:
"Before the 2016 election, I was confused as to why they suddenly became interested in politics. What may be a tell, they immediately became hostile in 2016 when asked about policies. It was easier to shout a harsh nonsensical reply than to discuss finer points. I decided to avoid the issue at first, and did not go near it after Trump won in 2016. "
The Insider:
Did you discuss it with them? Argue with them? Did they try to change your mind?
Charles:
"They did not try to change my mind. The usual tactic was to attack me concerning whatever topic was relevant in the media. They often used "whataboutism" against Dems. I was through arguing with them in 2017. Occasionally, I would test the waters, to no avail. "
The Insider:
Was this the first time you had disagreed with them politically, or had that been building for a while?
Charles:
"Previously, none had expressed any interest in politics. I took their sudden “interest" in someone quite contrary to anything in politics as an offense to what I have held close most of my life: history and politics."
The Insider:
Did the tension get worse closer to the 2020 election?
Charles:
"The little contact between them and my nuclear family did get worse as the election neared, especially over Facebook. My immediate family and I worked with them at a restaurant. We heard their anti-Semitic "jokes," and kept them at arm's length. COVID and Trump coalesced into a perfect storm. They attacked my daughter for wearing a mask. Went after my son because he drew a mustache on a Trump picture, which was hilarious. Always looked down on my wife. "
The Insider:
What happened when Biden won?
Charles:
"After Biden won, the Trumpers in my family parroted his claims of fraud, etc. In a text exchange with one sister, I laid out the factual evidence regarding the election as of late December. I stressed the fact that all 50 states and D.C. ratified, and a majority of those states are Republican-led. I explained she could go to each state's website to see the information personally. She did not care, claiming she had her own facts. Naturally, she had nothing else to say."
The Insider:
What happened with them after the events on January 6 at the Capitol?
Charles:
"Again, they regurgitated the steady stream of lies and conspiracy theories: not Trump's fault, Antifa started it, compared it to Black Lives Matter. Needless to say, they did not support impeachment. "
The Insider:
Are you in touch with anyone in your family now?
Charles:
"I am not in touch. After January 6, I told them I will not acknowledge anyone who still supports an individual who led an insurrection and attack upon the Capitol. Their support before merely was uninformed and repugnant. Their continued support after witnessing what happened on the 6th is indefensible. Obviously, they cannot lean upon policies, judges, or whatever excuse."
The Insider:
Do you think things will get better with time?
Charles:
"After January 6, my mom, both sisters, and a nephew whom I have disowned have become "dead" to me. I spoke with them, and laid out the verifiable facts. I told them if they still support a traitor, they’ve lost a son and a brother. My mom is sad, but has not changed. I think she eventually will just give up politics. My sisters are gone. Honestly, I am fine with the situation. I told them I'm open to dialogue, and will welcome them back with love. My offer was laughed at. But I'm good. I have my immediate family, and my self-respect."