As a family law attorney in Massachusetts, I've witnessed firsthand the impact of political differences on marriages. The 2016 presidential election of Donald J. Trump brought a new wave of disagreements and divorces, leading to what has been termed "Trump Derangement Syndrome" or "Trump Syndrome Divorce."
According to a 2017 study by Wakefield Research, a significant number of divorces were now due to political disagreements within the marriage. The study revealed that 11% of Americans – and a staggering 22% of Millennials – had ended relationships over political strife. Furthermore, 22% of Americans – and 35% of Millennials – knew someone whose marriage or relationship had been negatively impacted specifically due to President Trump's election.
In my practice, I've seen couples who were once madly in love, torn apart by their political differences. The polarization of our country has made it increasingly difficult for some couples to "agree to disagree" on political issues. Instead, they've allowed political commentary and propaganda to dictate their beliefs, often without critical analysis or reasoned discourse.
As Albert Einstein wisely stated, "We can't fix a problem with the same thinking that created it." When a politician is elected by a relative handful of votes, it's easy for people to build metaphorical walls around their positions and refuse to listen to other ideas. This can be potentially fatal in a marriage, where compromise and understanding are essential.
While political differences driving divorce is nothing new, the Trump effect on relationships seems to have exacerbated the issue. As a divorce attorney, I've seen couples who were once madly in love, torn apart by their political differences. The polarization of our country has made it increasingly difficult for some couples to "agree to disagree" on political issues.
As Trump has announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election, we may be in for another round of "Trump Syndrome Divorces." However, it's important to remember that political differences should not be the sole reason for ending a marriage. Couples who want to stay together must focus on creating and maintaining healthy relationships, rather than putting their relationship eggs into two separate political baskets.
At the end of the day, a successful marriage requires compromise, understanding, and a willingness to see beyond our political differences. As a family law attorney in Massachusetts, I encourage couples to seek counseling or mediation if political differences are causing strain in their relationship. With open communication and a commitment to respecting each other's beliefs, it is possible to navigate these challenging times and emerge stronger together.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice and readers should not act upon any information provided without seeking professional legal counsel. The author does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. This blog is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship between the author and the reader.
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