Among his voters? For many, it's a cult of personality.

Among his staff? Many were put in position because of loyalty, not because of qualification. If they don't continue to show loyalty - blind, unthinking obedient loyalty - to whatever the command of the day is, they're going to lose their exalted position. And they're never going to get another such position, because they're manifestly unqualified for it. So while they have it, they'll do just about anything to keep it, no matter how ridiculous it is.