Donald Trump and his most devoted supporters often seem to share a strange, almost personal relationship in their own minds. For some MAGA supporters, Trump is not just a president or political figure, but someone they believe they can call on when things go wrong, almost like a powerful friend who will swoop in and fix everything. While that belief is wildly unrealistic, it continues to show up in real-life situations. One recent courtroom moment in South Carolina became a perfect example of that mindset.
The incident centers on William Waters, a man from South Carolina who is accused of drunk driving and stealing a patrol car. Waters appeared in court for his bond hearing, and the entire exchange was recorded. As the judge began listing a series of charges, including grand larceny, DUI, and failure to stop for blue lights, Waters showed little interest in listening quietly. Instead, he repeatedly interrupted the judge, talked over him, and challenged nearly every statement being read aloud.
The judge attempted to stay focused and proceed with the hearing, calmly reading through the charges. Waters, however, continued pushing back. He accused the judge of lying, dismissed the charges as nonsense, and insisted he would not sign any paperwork. When the judge set bond, Waters flatly denied that he had any bond at all, despite the court clearly stating otherwise. The back and forth quickly turned tense, with Waters refusing to cooperate at every step.
Then came the moment that caught widespread attention. As if playing what he believed was a final trump card, Waters declared that he would contact Donald Trump about his case. The statement seemed to come with the expectation that invoking Trump’s name would somehow change the outcome of a South Carolina bond hearing. The judge did not engage with the comment and simply ended the hearing effectively. An officer escorted Waters out of the courtroom as he repeated that he would contact Trump.
Online, the reaction was swift and largely mocking. Many internet users were amused by the confidence with which the South Carolina man appeared to believe that Trump would intervene on his behalf. One user commented, “Was that meant to be a threat? Bless your heart, he doesn’t care.” Others questioned whether this belief is common among Trump supporters, suggesting that some see Trump as more than a politician. “They really think they can conjure him up like a deity,” another user wrote.
Some commenters went further, arguing that this kind of thinking did not come out of nowhere. They claimed it reflects years of political messaging that encouraged loyalty to Trump above institutions, rules, or even basic reality. One user wrote, “This is the thinking, I’m a Republican, Trump has my back, I’m above the law and I can do what I want.” Another added, “This is what MAGA is. They think Trump is their buddy and that they have some kind of relationship with him. It’s cultish behavior.”
