Confirmation Bias in Politics & Business: Trump, Harris, and the Search for Validation

Confirmation bias, a cognitive tendency where people seek out, interpret, and remember information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs, has become especially prevalent in today’s polarized political landscape. Whether discussing Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, this bias plays a crucial role in shaping how supporters view their favored leaders, often leading to the reinforcement of established opinions rather than critical evaluation of new information.

Trump and Harris: Confirmation Bias in Action

Donald Trump’s supporters have often been accused of clinging to evidence that confirms their belief in his capabilities while disregarding or downplaying contradictory information. Throughout Trump’s presidency and subsequent campaigns, many of his followers overlooked controversies, focusing instead on moments that affirmed their perception of him as a strong, decisive leader who prioritizes American interests. For example, Trump’s handling of the economy was frequently cited by his base as a major success, despite criticisms from economists or concerns about long-term implications. As one supporter stated, “I don’t trust the media to tell the full story. Trump has done more for us than they’ll ever admit.”

Similarly, Kamala Harris’s supporters display their own confirmation bias by honing in on aspects of her political career and personal story that reinforce her image as a groundbreaking leader, a champion of justice, and a symbol of representation for women and people of color. One admirer shared, “Harris represents progress, and whatever mistakes people say she made, they pale in comparison to her accomplishments.” While some might point to Harris’s record as a prosecutor as contradictory to progressive ideals, her supporters are more likely to emphasize her achievements, such as becoming the first female vice president of the U.S.

The Danger of Confirmation Bias

While it’s natural to seek out evidence that supports our beliefs, confirmation bias distorts reality and limits critical evaluation. Both Trump and Harris supporters can overlook important critiques or dismiss factual information, preventing them from forming well-rounded views. As Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman observed, “People would rather believe what they want to be true than what is actually true.” This tendency can deepen political divisions and hinder productive discourse, as individuals reject new information that challenges their worldview.

For instance, Trump supporters frequently dismiss negative media reports as “fake news,” reinforcing their belief that mainstream outlets are biased against him. On the other hand, Harris supporters may disregard concerns about her past policies, focusing solely on her identity as a symbol of representation. This selective engagement with information fuels echo chambers, where confirmation bias becomes more entrenched, making it difficult to approach political discourse with objectivity.

Challenging Confirmation Bias Through Coaching

Coaching plays a critical role in helping individuals confront and overcome confirmation bias by promoting self-awareness, critical thinking, and openness to new ideas. As executive coach Marshall Goldsmith explains, “What got you here won’t get you there.” Coaching encourages individuals to move beyond their cognitive biases and challenge the assumptions that have shaped their decisions.

Through guided questioning, coaching helps individuals recognize how their beliefs may distort their perception of reality. By asking thought-provoking questions, coaches prompt learners individuals evidence to support their pre-existing beliefs. As a result, individuals can develop a more nuanced understanding of complex issues, leading to more informed and balanced decision-making.

Coaching also fosters emotional intelligence and curiosity. Emotional responses often drive confirmation bias, especially when personal values or identity are at stake. Coaches help individuals manage these emotions, allowing them to engage with opposing information without defensiveness. In this way, coaching builds the skills necessary to examine biases critically, enabling learners to adapt and grow both personally and professionally.