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Akina Cox - Part 2: The Moonies, ICE, and the Cult Tactics of Trump by Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts

Akina Cox - Part 2: The Moonies, ICE, and the Cult Tactics of Trump

from Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation

by Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts

Published: Wed Aug 06 2025

Show Notes

Artist and writer Akina Cox returns to share more about her experience growing up in the Unification Church (also known as the Moonies), its physical punishment rituals, and where the church stands now. The girls then transition from the topic of her particular cult to a discussion on the cult-like patterns of the current American political landscape, and how to approach political disagreements with loved ones.

Akina also reflects on her article for Salon, where she explores how the Trump administration employs many of the same tactics used by Reverend Moon, and how high-control groups tend to choose a group to scapegoat for their problems. They discuss the demonization of immigrants and trans folks, the realities of ICE kidnappings, and how the failures of political leadership effectively addressing income inequality created an opening for demagogues to thrive.

 

SOURCES:

Akina Cox

Salon

Howto Talk to Your Republican Uncle

TheAtlantic

 

ORGANIZATIONS FOR OUTREACH AND RESISTANCE:

Ktown For All

CHIRLA

Unión del Barrio

LA Tenants Union

National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Akina Cox - Part 2: The Moonies, ICE, and the Cult Tactics of Trump | Podcst