For everyone surprised that Trump shitted on members of the military...don't be. For everyone who thinks he's banging nails in his political coffin by disparaging dead soldiers...don't count on it.

In fact, this may solidify his support.

You see, Trump is a fascist. He is supported by fascists. Fascism isn't about ideology--it's about naked power. Or, more accurately, the naked power to keep people "in their place."

What better way to demonstrate naked power than to slay the sacred cows and get away with it?

In a militaristic, jingoistic society like America, the military and the men and women who comprise it are our sacred cows. You can protest wars. You can criticize the politicians who authorized those wars but you can NEVER EVER EVER criticize the troops who fight those wars...

"We're not against the soldiers, we're against the war," was a popular chant during Vietnam for a reason...

But Trump is trying to project an aura of naked power to appeal to his base. And what better way to project power than to deliberately do the one thing you know you're...

NEVER supposed to do and get away with it? I mean, who can smash the village temple's idols with impunity?

Someone with power...

"What about his military supporters?" you might be asking. "Won't that turn them off?"

Short answer: no.

Long answer: authoritarianism was a strong predictor for support for Trump in 2016 and that never changed...

And no one licks boots quite as well as an authoritarian, especially an authoritarian who works in a highly hierarchical structure which places a high emphasis on taking orders from "superiors" and harshly punishes disobedience. You know, like the military...

Someone in the Trump administration may prevail on Trump to deny it (and he may be do it--at least for awhile). But if he admits it & doubles down on the statement, it's not gonna hurt him. Deliberately flouting social norms hasn't cost Trump any support from his most hardcore

Followers. It will only increase their admiration for him.