When Counting Lies Stopped Mattering

There was a time when every falsehood from Donald Trump made headlines. Each lie was cataloged and fact-checked because truth mattered. But somewhere along the way, we stopped counting. Maybe it was exhaustion. Maybe it was cynicism. Or maybe we simply got used to being lied to.

Accepting dishonesty as “just the way things are now” is how democracy erodes — not with one dramatic moment, but slowly, as we stop expecting honesty from those who lead us.

Truth isn’t just a political principle. It’s the foundation of everyday life. We rely on teachers to teach our children honestly, doctors to give us real diagnoses, and neighbors to look out for one another. When public leaders abandon truth, the damage ripples into every corner of our communities.

Some of Trump’s most devoted followers didn’t fall into falsehoods because they love chaos. Many were seeking a sense of belonging, certainty, and someone who spoke to their fears. Those needs are deeply human, and when we recognize them, it becomes easier to understand how people got pulled in. That doesn’t mean the lies are harmless. It means the path back begins with compassion paired with courage.

And there is a path back. Americans have rebuilt trust before, after Watergate, after national crises, after moments that demanded honesty and accountability. In communities throughout our country, where we still wave to neighbors and show up for each other, truth still carries weight. We don’t have to let national cynicism decide who we become.

So do something; speak up when you see misinformation. Support leaders who value honesty over loyalty. Talk to someone who sees the world differently and lead with curiosity, not contempt. Democracy can still be strengthened, but only if we choose truth, together.