#FAFO TikTok: Schadenfreude, Trump Voters, and the Perpetual Cycle of "Finding Out"
How Irony, Ideology, and the Fusion of Authoritarianism and Christian Nationalism Fuel America’s Political Divide
If you've spent any time on TikTok recently, you might have stumbled into a peculiar and often darkly humorous corner of the platform: the world of #FAFO. The acronym stands for "Fuck Around and Find Out." It serves as a rallying cry for videos recounting stories of Trump voters who, through an often ironic twist, come to realize they've voted against their own self-interests. On the surface, these videos provide a cathartic moment for critics of MAGA politics—a digital age schadenfreude that feels like justice served. But dig deeper, and the trend reveals a troubling and persistent dynamic that has defined the MAGA movement since its inception: an almost cult-like capacity to deny responsibility and deflect blame, no matter how glaring the consequences.
This article explores the rise of #FAFO TikTok, the broader cultural dynamics it reflects, and why the opposition to Trump—and, by extension, authoritarian populism and Christian nationalism—fails to fully grasp the motivations and resilience of his base.
#FAFO in Action: Stories of "Finding Out"
The #FAFO trend gained traction as more and more Americans began sharing stories of Trump supporters experiencing the consequences of his policies firsthand. Some of the most popular videos on the hashtag tell now-infamous stories, such as:
The Obamacare Revelation: The moment when many Americans realized that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and "Obamacare" were, in fact, the same thing. This misunderstanding led to viral moments in which voters lamented losing ACA coverage, often blaming Democrats for the perceived deception, rather than acknowledging that Trump had vowed to dismantle the law.
"How Does a Tariff Work?": After Trump's trade wars, particularly with China, farmers and manufacturers faced devastating losses due to retaliatory tariffs. Some supporters were shocked to discover that tariffs are taxes paid by importers—meaning American businesses bore the brunt of the policy, not foreign competitors.
The Evangelical Healthcare Paradox: Many white evangelical Christians, a key demographic of the MAGA movement, voted for Trump while ignoring the ways his policies reduced access to affordable healthcare. One viral #FAFO video recounts an evangelical family realizing that repealing ACA provisions meant their children with pre-existing conditions could lose coverage.
COVID-19 Policy and Vaccine Flip-Flopping: Stories of disillusionment during the pandemic abound. Trump's initial dismissal of COVID-19's severity, coupled with a disorganized response, led to devastating outcomes. Yet, many MAGA supporters managed to compartmentalize or ignore these failures, even as friends and family succumbed to the virus.
These examples—and countless others—have been fodder for #FAFO TikTok creators, who present them with biting humor, ironic soundtracks, and captions that underscore the absurdity of it all. In one sense, it feels like a form of justice: voters reaping what they sowed. But is it as satisfying as it seems?
The MAGA Movement and Authoritarianism
The resilience of MAGA voters is rooted in more than just political loyalty—it is deeply tied to the movement's authoritarian underpinnings. Authoritarianism thrives on hierarchical structures, emotional appeals, and a willingness to overlook personal grievances to maintain perceived order. Trump has masterfully exploited these dynamics in ways that insulate his base from reality, even when his policies harm them.
Obedience to Authority: Studies on authoritarianism reveal that those with a high tendency toward authoritarian attitudes are more likely to prioritize loyalty to a strong leader over personal well-being. Trump's projection of strength—whether through his "tough on China" rhetoric or his disregard for political norms—has fostered an environment where obedience to his authority supersedes self-interest.
Fear as a Motivator: Authoritarianism flourishes in environments of fear. Trump has consistently framed himself as the protector against existential threats: immigrants "invading" the southern border, Antifa "terrorizing" the suburbs, or Democrats waging a war on Christianity. This fear-based messaging creates a psychological shield, insulating supporters from the evidence of his failures.
The Cult of Personality: In authoritarian movements, the leader becomes the sole judge of truth. Trump's supporters often accept his falsehoods—about election fraud, COVID-19, or the economy—not because they are deceived, but because rejecting them would mean rejecting Trump himself, an act tantamount to apostasy within the MAGA worldview.
Christian Nationalism: The Spiritual Backbone of MAGA
At the heart of the MAGA movement lies Christian nationalism, an ideology that fuses conservative evangelical Christianity with an authoritarian vision of America as a divinely ordained nation. Christian nationalism not only provides moral justification for Trump's actions but also reinforces the "us vs. them" worldview that sustains his base. This connection deepens the resilience of MAGA voters and explains why the "find out" moments captured on TikTok rarely lead to defection.
Moral Absolutism: Christian nationalism frames Trump as a flawed but divinely chosen leader—an imperfect vessel carrying out God's will. This belief allows supporters to excuse his personal failings and policy missteps as part of a larger, divine plan. As one prominent evangelical leader said in 2020, "God uses imperfect people to fulfill his perfect plan."
The "War on Christianity" Narrative: Trump's rhetoric often invokes the idea of a liberal assault on Christianity, framing policies like abortion rights, LGBTQ+ equality, or even public health measures as attacks on religious freedom. This narrative solidifies support among white evangelicals, even when his actions (e.g., tax cuts for the wealthy, cuts to social services) harm their communities.
Apocalyptic Thinking: Many Christian nationalists view Trump's presidency in eschatological terms, believing they are fighting a spiritual battle against forces of darkness. This apocalyptic framing fosters an "all-or-nothing" mindset, where abandoning Trump is akin to abandoning the fight for God's kingdom.
Schadenfreude and the Limitations of #FAFO
At its core, #FAFO is powered by schadenfreude, the guilty pleasure of witnessing someone else's misfortune. For those who have watched Trump dismantle democratic norms, push authoritarian policies, and foster economic inequality, these moments can feel like small victories—a glimmer of poetic justice in an otherwise bleak political landscape.
Yet, indulging in #FAFO videos can also be deceptive. While they provide emotional release, they rarely account for the deeper psychological and ideological forces that keep Trump supporters loyal despite "finding out" in the most painful ways. Many critics of MAGA politics make the mistake of assuming that voter disillusionment will lead to political awakening. The reality, however, is far more complex.
A Path Forward: Confronting Authoritarianism and Christian Nationalism
The #FAFO trend serves as a reminder of the cultural and political divide that has defined America in the Trump era. While it's tempting to mock MAGA voters who "find out," this approach does little to weaken the broader forces of authoritarianism and Christian nationalism that sustain the movement.
To effectively counter MAGA and build a stronger pro-democracy coalition, the opposition must focus on:
Exposing Authoritarian Tactics: Highlight how Trump and his allies manipulate fear, loyalty, and identity to maintain power. This includes holding media outlets accountable for spreading disinformation and amplifying authoritarian rhetoric.
Dismantling Christian Nationalism: Support movements that challenge the fusion of religion and politics, such as Christians who advocate for the separation of church and state. Encourage public dialogue about the dangers of using faith as a political weapon.
Reframing the Narrative: Instead of merely criticizing Trump, articulate a compelling, inclusive vision for America that addresses economic inequality, cultural anxiety, and systemic injustice—issues authoritarianism exploits but never resolves.
Conclusion
The #FAFO trend is a fascinating snapshot of America's political and cultural divide. It provides a momentary sense of vindication for critics of Trump, but it also underscores the challenges of confronting a movement that thrives on authoritarianism, Christian nationalism, and cultural division. To truly move forward, the opposition must look beyond the short-term satisfaction of schadenfreude and commit to the hard work of understanding—and dismantling—the systems that sustain Trumpism.
As #FAFO TikTok creators continue documenting the ironies of MAGA politics, perhaps their stories can serve as a reminder: justice isn't just about finding out—it's about building a future where fewer people are forced to.