The Totality of Allegiance is grounded in nationwide, focus group research conducted by Travis Ruddle, Ph.D. and Brad Agle, Ph.D. Individuals who had declared their intention to vote for Trump in the upcoming November election discussed Trump's track record, stances, and statements. Their responses, coupled with written survey responses, resulted in a significant dataset. Research associates coded this data to identify and connect underlying themes, revealing valuable insights into the circumstances that facilitated Trump's rise to power, the ways in which individuals justify his moral shortcomings, and the common dynamics present in the ascent of authoritarian leaders.