"What I do know is that it was a lie that we were the resistance. We were always the empire. It was a lie that Trump was a fascist. We’re closer to fascism now than we’ve ever been as a country with the Democrats in power. And it was always a lie that Trump World was a cult." https://sashastone.substack.com/p/did-i-just-leave-a-cult#details

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-cult-5078234

Interesting list of what defines a cult.

To me:
'Blind, unquestioning obedience'

Is the definition of a cult follower.

'Control, through fear and use of psychological devices.'

Is the definition of a cult.

We humans seem to have a need that we seek to fill... something that will give us that endorphin feeling of happiness that comes with being in the presence of like minded individuals, all pulling together, so to speak.

Some are more addicted than others to that drug.

The good news is, once one realizes what the cause/effect is, the spell can be broken, and the mind can tune out the need to seek the rush in that way...

More sane ways to achieve the effect can be found, solitude, hearing ones own unfettered mind, being in nature, being creative, doing research, seeing the mind control in others, and knowing it has no power over you.

Knowing fear does not drive you in everything you do.

Fear is the