Politics as unusual: why America's 'forgotten citizens' stick by their champion

Pugnacious, Twitter-mad and ­deeply ­undiplomatic, US President Donald Trump has ­alienated many in his warlike first year in office, but his core support base has remained remarkably steady, writes Dr Robert Schmuhl

Word warrior: Trump's outbursts of full-throated criticism cheer the 'forgotten citizens' that make up his support base

During the dizzying first year of Donald Trump's presidency, Americans and the world at large witnessed a political personality in a state of perpetual war. To the delight of his core supporters, but to the dismay of many others, this pugnacious approach defined Trump's image. But what can we expect from the persistent battler in the future?

To win the White House, Trump attacked opponent after opponent, first during the nominating process against 16 other foes and then in the general election against Hillary Clinton. Radioactive nicknames, including the relentless repetition of 'Crooked Hillary,' became part of his arsenal of insults, and he turned Twitter into a verbal grenade launcher to assault enemies and to defend himself.