don't you see how this perspective is the same tribalism (all my leaders are benevolent, all of theirs are tyrants / grifters)?

For every example of Maga group think, I can think of an example of Obamaphile group think.

And if the contrarian / doubtful end of the spectrum ( all elites are nefarious) is bad, doesn't that imply that the gullible / trusting end of the spectrum (all elites & academics are benevolent) is also bad?

The roles are just a mirror of each other. You're just picking sides -- which is how things usually operate.