As we navigate an era marked by political polarization, the question of whether we are heading toward an “Idiocracy” has gained prominence, particularly with the rise of Donald Trump and the unwavering loyalty of his supporters. The comparison to “Idiocracy”—a satirical movie depicting a future where intelligence is marginalized—feels increasingly relevant to some critics, especially when considering the dynamics of the current political landscape, including the education levels of Trump’s supporters.
The relationship between education and political partisanship has been shifting for decades. Donald Trump’s base skews heavily toward individuals without college degrees, especially White voters. Pew Research highlights that 63% of White voters without a college degree identify with or lean toward the Republican Party, a figure that has held steady and even grown in recent years. This stands in contrast to college-educated White voters, who are more evenly split between the two major political parties, though increasingly leaning toward Democrats. Similarly, Trump continues to attract a substantial portion of voters who have completed some college but not obtained a degree.
This divide in educational attainment is more pronounced when comparing Trump’s support base to that of the Democratic Party. A significant number of those with postgraduate degrees align with the Democrats, creating a stark contrast between the two camps. More than six-in-ten voters with postgraduate degrees lean Democratic, while Republican support among this group is much lower. These trends are especially visible among White voters but also extend to other demographic groups, although less sharply in Black and Hispanic communities.
The emphasis on anti-intellectualism within certain conservative movements has been widely noted. Trump has capitalized on populist rhetoric that often denigrates experts and embraces conspiracy theories, which appeals to segments of the population that may feel disenfranchised or disillusioned with higher education institutions. His ability to connect with voters who have less formal education seems tied to his anti-establishment positioning and the idea that elites—often represented by those with advanced degrees—are out of touch with everyday Americans.
This cultural and educational divide is critical when considering the broader political implications. The Republican Party under Trump has shifted its focus to prioritize the concerns of non-college-educated voters, particularly in rural areas and states where manufacturing jobs have declined. Trump’s emphasis on “America First” policies, immigration, and trade wars has resonated deeply with these voters, many of whom view higher education institutions as part of the liberal elite that fails to understand or address their challenges.
Critics argue that this trend mirrors the dystopian future portrayed in Idiocracy, where decision-making is dominated by anti-intellectualism, and critical thinking is devalued. Trump’s supporters, often branded by opponents as “low-information voters,” are seen by some as emblematic of this shift. The reluctance among portions of the electorate to engage with fact-based discourse—evident in the widespread belief in the 2020 election being “stolen,” despite multiple verifications and court dismissals—is a reflection of this anti-intellectual trend.
However, it is essential to consider that the relationship between education and political leanings is complex. While Trump enjoys significant support from non-college-educated voters, this does not mean that all his supporters are uninformed or lack critical thinking skills. Many are deeply disillusioned with the political and economic systems that have failed to deliver on promises of upward mobility, particularly in areas hardest hit by deindustrialization.
Nonetheless, the ideological battle over education, expertise, and intellectualism continues to define much of today’s political discourse. The growing partisan divide based on educational attainment is reshaping the American electorate in ways that challenge traditional notions of party alignment. Republicans are increasingly the party of non-college-educated Whites, while Democrats consolidate their base among the college-educated and people of color.
This widening gap in education levels raises concerns about the future of democratic engagement. When large portions of the electorate, driven by resentment toward perceived elitism, reject not only specific policies but also the very notion of expertise, the ability to address complex global challenges—such as climate change, healthcare, and economic inequality—becomes more difficult. Furthermore, the embrace of misinformation and conspiracy theories by segments of the population, a tactic heavily employed by Trump, has led to an erosion of trust in democratic institutions, such as the judiciary and the press, that rely on facts and rational discourse.
In this context, the portrayal of a society in decline, as seen in Idiocracy, does not seem too far-fetched to some observers. The alignment of political rhetoric with anti-intellectualism and the embrace of populist anger over nuanced policy debates suggests that the values of reason and critical thinking, long central to democratic governance, are being undermined. This undermining has manifested in key policy areas, including the widespread dismissal of science on issues like climate change and COVID-19, the latter of which Trump and many of his supporters downplayed, despite overwhelming scientific evidence.
Furthermore, the educational divide also extends to attitudes toward democracy itself. Research indicates that voters with lower levels of education are more likely to express authoritarian tendencies or support leaders who display such characteristics. Trump’s consistent attacks on democratic norms—such as his refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election—have found resonance among his base. This worrying trend of democratic backsliding aligns with the fear of moving toward an “Idiocracy,” where democratic values are supplanted by autocratic impulses.
In contrast, those with higher education levels are more likely to value democratic institutions and norms, which may explain the growing alignment of college-educated voters with the Democratic Party. For many, the embrace of Trump by the Republican Party represents a rejection of the principles that have long underpinned American democracy, further exacerbating fears of a slide into authoritarianism.
Looking ahead, the upcoming 2024 election will be a crucial test of whether these trends continue to deepen or whether the political landscape shifts once more. With Trump leading in Republican polls despite facing multiple legal challenges, it remains clear that his base—largely composed of non-college-educated White voters—remains steadfast in their support. Whether this base grows or shrinks will depend not only on Trump’s political maneuvering but also on broader societal shifts, particularly in education and media consumption.
In conclusion, while it may be an exaggeration to claim we are definitively heading toward an “Idiocracy,” the trends highlighted by the rise of Trump and the growing educational divide suggest that the values of critical thinking, expertise, and reason are under threat. The polarization of the electorate along educational lines, combined with the embrace of populism and anti-intellectualism, presents significant challenges to the future of democratic governance. The path forward will require a re-engagement with these values, particularly among those disillusioned with the current system, to prevent a further erosion of democratic principles.