Tag: Trump

The MAGA Movement: A Conservative Deception

Followers of Trump and MAGA are most often willing to break laws in order to promote their MAGA ideologies.

The MAGA Movement: A Conservative Deception

By Cubie Ward

The MAGA movement, which stands for “Make America Great Again,” is a nativist political movement that emerged in the United States during the 2016 presidential campaign of its putative leader, Donald Trump. Its name is derived from Trump’s campaign slogan “Make America Great Again,” which became a rallying cry for many Trump supporters during his campaign and presidency. 

The movement believes that the United States was once a “great” country but has lost this status owing to foreign influence, both within its borders (via immigration and multiculturalism) and without (via globalization, or the increased integration of economies and societies around the world). 

The MAGA movement espouses a narrow definition of American identity. It insists that the United States has always been and must remain a Christian nation. While some members of the movement openly embrace white supremacy, others use coded racism, railing against the unfair advantage affirmative action affords people of color.

The MAGA movement was founded on the belief that the United States was once a “great” country but has lost this status owing to foreign influence, both within its borders (via immigration and multiculturalism) and without (via globalization, or the increased integration of economies and societies around the world). 

For the MAGA movement, America can be made great again by returning to its “traditional” values. This includes reducing immigration, protecting American jobs from foreign competition, and promoting “law and order”. The movement also seeks to reduce government regulation and lower taxes on businesses and individuals.

What are the stated beliefs of the MAGA Movement?

The Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement encompasses a wide range of social concerns and perspectives. It is important to note that the movement is diverse, and individuals within it may prioritize different issues. However, some common social concerns that have been associated with the MAGA movement include:

1. Economic Prosperity: One of the central themes of the MAGA movement is a focus on economic growth and job creation. Supporters often express concerns about the impact of globalization, trade deals, and outsourcing on American industries and employment opportunities. Supporters advocate for protectionist trade policies, such as tariffs, with the aim of protecting American industries and jobs from what they perceive as unfair competition. They also support renegotiating or withdrawing from international trade agreements they believe are detrimental to American economic interests.

2. Immigration: Immigration policy is a significant social concern for many MAGA supporters. They may advocate for stricter border control, the enforcement of immigration laws, and a focus on national security. Some argue that illegal immigration negatively impacts job opportunities, public resources, and the overall cultural fabric of the country.

3. Nationalism and Patriotism: The MAGA movement is often associated with a sense of nationalism and a desire to restore national pride and unity. Supporters prioritize American interests and favor policies that prioritize domestic concerns over global cooperation or international obligations. Ensuring national security is a significant concern within the MAGA movement. Supporters prioritize policies aimed at combating terrorism, strengthening military capabilities, and protecting American interests abroad. They also advocate for stricter immigration policies as a means of enhancing national security.

4. Law and Order: Concerns about public safety, crime rates, and the role of law enforcement are often expressed within the MAGA movement. Supporters emphasize the need for strong law enforcement and advocate for policies that prioritize public safety and the protection of communities.

5. Traditional Values: Many MAGA supporters highlight the importance of preserving and promoting traditional values, which can include conservative social and cultural beliefs. This may involve opposition to progressive social changes such as same-sex marriage, abortion rights, and transgender rights.

6. Media and Political Establishment: Some MAGA supporters express concerns about what they perceive as biased media coverage and the influence of the political establishment. They may argue that mainstream media outlets are not providing fair and accurate reporting and that the political establishment is disconnected from the concerns of everyday Americans.

It’s important to recognize that these social concerns are not universally shared by all individuals within the MAGA movement, and there are diverse perspectives and motivations among its supporters. This response aims to provide an overview of some common social concerns associated with Republicans and the movement, but it is crucial to engage in open and respectful dialogue to fully understand the range of perspectives within the MAGA movement.

Political Goals of MAGA

The movement’s political goals include:

Immigration reform: MAGA supporters believe that illegal immigration is a threat to national security and that legal immigration should be restricted to those who can contribute to the economy.

Economic nationalism: MAGA supporters believe that the United States should prioritize its own economic interests over those of other countries.

America First foreign policy: MAGA supporters believe that the United States should prioritize its own interests over those of other countries in foreign policy matters.

Conservative social policies: MAGA supporters tend to be socially conservative, opposing abortion and same-sex marriage, among other issues.

These goals are not held exclusively by MAGA supporters.  May of the above beliefs and goals are also held my traditional Republicans and Libertarians.

Leaders of the MAGA Movements

Some prominent figures in the MAGA movement include:

Donald Trump: The former President of the United States and the founder of the MAGA movement.

Steve Bannon: A former White House Chief Strategist and a prominent figure in the MAGA movement.

Rudy Giuliani: A former Mayor of New York City and a prominent figure in the MAGA movement.

Sidney Powell: A former federal prosecutor and a prominent figure in the MAGA movement.

Mike Lindell: The CEO of MyPillow and a prominent figure in the MAGA movement.

–Matt Gaetz: A Republican congressman from Florida and a prominent figure in the MAGA movement.

Ted Cruz: A Republican senator from Texas and a prominent figure in the MAGA movement.

Tucker Carlson: A conservative political commentator and a prominent figure in the MAGA movement.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has named Reps. Marjorie Taylor-Greene of Georgia and Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona, as well as Rep. Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, as adherents of MAGA Republicanism. But she and others, including the president, have outlined what they see as a much broader coalition, one that showed its true colors during the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Followers of Trump and MAGA are most often willing to break laws in order to promote their MAGA ideologies. For instance  Sidney Powell was an attorney associated with the MAGA movement and worked closely with former President Donald Trump and his legal team to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election. Powell gained attention for her claims of widespread voter fraud and election rigging, which she asserted in various media appearances and legal filings. Her involvement in these efforts aligned with the broader goals and ideologies of the MAGA movement, which sought to support and promote Trump’s presidency and his policy agenda. She has since disavowed her claim and pleaded guilty for lying to the court.

Kenneth Chesebro, a pro-Trump lawyer pleaded guilty in the Georgia election subversion case. He was charged with conspiracy to commit filing false documents and admitted to conspiring with former President Donald Trump and others to put forward fake GOP electors in Georgia. 

Jenna Ellis was a former Trump campaign lawyer who was charged by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis with violating Georgia’s anti-racketeering law and soliciting a public officer to violate their oath. She too has pleaded guilty.

Steve Bannon is an American media executive, political strategist, former investment banker and MAGA advisor. He served as the White House’s chief strategist in the Trump administration Trump during the first seven months of Trump’s term. Bannon has been charged with two counts of contempt of Congress in July 2022 and sentenced to four months in prison. In September 2022, he was charged with money laundering, conspiracy, and scheme to defraud in New York.

Rudy Giuliani is an American attorney, businessman, and politician who served as the 107th Mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001. He was also a lawyer for former President Trump and the MAGA movement. Giuliani has been indicted in Georgia for his alleged role in the effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. He is also charged, alongside Trump, under the state’s RICO law. Giuliani was charged on 13 counts, including violation of the Georgia RICO act, solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer, false statements and writings, conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer, conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree, conspiracy to commit false statements and writings, and filing false documents. In addition to his indictment in Georgia, Giuliani has also been indicted on charges of money laundering, conspiracy, and scheme to defraud in New York.

Mike Lindel, Trump and MAGA advisor,l has not been charged at this time with any crime. However, he is currently under investigation by the FBI for his alleged involvement in an election security breach in Colorado. The FBI seized his cell phone as part of the investigation to look for any evidence of violations of three federal statutes, which concern identity theft, intentional damage to a protected computer, and conspiracy to commit identity theft or intentional computer damage.

Matt Gaetz is an American politician and a member of the Republican Party and MAGA. He has been a member of the United States House of Representatives since 2017, representing Florida’s 1st congressional district ⁴. 

Matt Gaetz has been involved in several legal issues. In 2020, he was accused of sex trafficking and having sexual relationships with minors. The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) investigated the allegations but decided not to charge him. However, he remains under investigation by the House Ethics Committee. In addition, he is currently under investigation by the FBI for his alleged involvement in an election security breach in Colorado.

The point I am making here is that the majority of the MAGA leadership and their legal counsels have all been corrupted by Trump. These lawyers knew they were breaking the laws of Georgia but were under pressure from Trump to get one win that would support his big lie. The other MAGA leaders listed above have all been indicted, some convicted, and others still under investigation.  Are these the people that Americans want running our nation? One by one these MAGA puppets are falling as legal actions are cutting their strings.

MAGA Motivating Factors

According to an article in The Washington Post, the MAGA movement is based on three key factors: election denial, white Christian nationalism, and hostility toward robust democratic elections. Election denial refers to the belief that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from former President Donald Trump, despite a lack of evidence to support this claim. White Christian nationalism is a political ideology that seeks to promote and maintain a white Christian identity in the United States. Finally, hostility toward robust democratic elections refers to the belief that the democratic process is flawed and that elections are rigged against certain groups.

These three factors have contributed to the growth of the MAGA movement and have led to a number of concerning developments in recent years. For example, the insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, was carried out by supporters of former President Trump who believed that the election had been stolen from him. Similarly, there has been a rise in hate crimes against minority groups in recent years, which some experts attribute to the influence of white Christian nationalism.

Election Denial

Following the 2020 presidential election, former President Trump and some of his supporters claimed that the election was rigged or fraudulent. They alleged that the outcome was manipulated and that Trump’s victory was stolen from him. These claims were widely disputed and debunked by various courts, state officials, and election experts who found no evidence of widespread voter fraud or irregularities that would have affected the outcome of the election.

The belief that the election had been stolen fueled a sense of grievance and frustration among some MAGA supporters, ultimately leading to the events of January 6, 2021. The actions of those who participated in the insurrection were an extreme manifestation of their discontent and the belief that they needed to take matters into their own hands to rectify what they perceived as an injustice.

White Christian Nationalism

White Christian nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the preservation of a white Christian identity as a central aspect of American national identity. It combines elements of white supremacy, Christian identity, and nativism. 

Advocates of white Christian nationalism often believe that the United States was founded as a Christian nation and that its success relies on maintaining a dominant white Christian culture. They may view the increasing diversity of the country as a threat to this identity and express concerns about the influence of non-Christian religions and non-white ethnicities.

White Christian nationalists may promote policies that prioritize the interests of white Christians, such as stricter immigration controls, opposition to multiculturalism, and resistance to social changes that challenge traditional values. They may also seek to influence political processes, shape policy agendas, and rally support around their ideology.

It is important to note that white Christian nationalism is not representative of all white Christians or Christians in general. It is a specific and often controversial ideology that has gained attention in recent years due to its impact on political discourse and social dynamics in the United States.

Lack of Faith in the American Electoral System

some individuals within the MAGA movement have expressed hostility toward robust democratic elections.

This can be attributed to a combination of factors. Firstly, the belief that the election was stolen from former President Trump has created a sense of distrust and skepticism among some MAGA followers towards the electoral process. They may feel that their preferred candidate was unfairly treated and that the election results do not reflect the will of the people.

Secondly, the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories has played a role in shaping these attitudes. False narratives and unfounded claims about voter fraud and election rigging have been circulated, often through social media platforms, leading some individuals to question the legitimacy of the democratic process. Such misinformation can erode trust in the electoral system and contribute to a hostile attitude towards elections.

It is important to emphasize that a robust democratic system relies on the principles of free and fair elections, with all eligible citizens having the opportunity to vote and have their voice heard. Hostility towards democratic elections undermines these principles and can have damaging consequences for the functioning of democracy.

Definite Differences Between MAGA and Traditional Conservatism

While there are certainly overlaps between traditional conservatives and MAGA followers, there are also some distinct differences and cleavages that have emerged within the broader conservative movement:

1. Populist Element: The MAGA movement has a strong populist appeal, which sets it apart from many traditional conservatives. Populism often involves a focus on “the people” versus “the elite” and can result in a more confrontational and anti-establishment approach. This often lead to a more combative tone and rhetoric.

2. Leadership Cult: The MAGA movement has shown a unique emphasis on the personality and leadership of former President Donald Trump. This cult of personality is not typically seen among traditional conservatives, who tend to prioritize principles and ideas over individual leaders. This dynamic creates a sense of loyalty and fervor among some MAGA followers that can differ from traditional conservative approaches.

Regarding the tendency toward violence, it’s important to note that violence is not a characteristic of all MAGA followers, nor is it representative of the movement as a whole. However, there have been instances where violence or aggressive behavior has been associated with individuals who identify as MAGA supporters. These incidents have been widely reported and have contributed to the perception of a violent tendency within the movement. But is should be noted that traditional Conservatives have not yielded to the temptation of satisfying the demands of Donald Trump to lie or dishonestly defraud the American people.

MAGA’s Conservative Rhetoric, Deceptive Actions

While it is important to approach any topic with fairness and avoid making sweeping generalizations, there have been instances where some MAGA followers have espoused conservative principles but their actions do not align with those principles. It’s worth noting that this might not be representative of all MAGA supporters, as the movement encompasses a wide range of individuals with diverse beliefs and motivations. However, here are a few instances where some MAGA followers have been accused of acting contrary to conservative principles:

  1. Government Spending: Conservative principles typically advocate for limited government spending and reducing the national debt. However, some MAGA followers have supported policies or politicians that have led to increased government spending, such as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which critics argue contributed to a significant increase in the national debt. For instance, during the Trump era, he raised the national debt more than any other president ever.
  2. Free Trade: Conservatism generally supports free trade and the principles of economic liberalism. However, Trump and MAGA supporters have expressed protectionist views, favoring policies that promote economic nationalism and imposing tariffs on foreign goods, which can contradict the principles of free trade. This is exactly the case while Trump was president; he placed tariffs on many products being imported into the USA. Trump’s approach to trade often deviated from traditional conservative principles of free trade. He implemented tariffs on imported goods from countries like China, Canada, and Mexico, as part of his efforts to protect American industries and jobs. While his aim was to prioritize American interests, these protectionist measures ran counter to the principles of free trade that many conservatives traditionally support.
  3. Personal Liberties: Conservatives often emphasize the importance of individual freedoms and limited government intervention. However, there have been instances where some MAGA followers have supported policies or actions that critics argue infringe upon personal liberties, such as advocating for stricter immigration policies or promoting surveillance measures that could potentially violate privacy rights.
  4. Immigration Policy: Trump’s approach to immigration was seen by some as more populist-oriented than traditionally conservative. He advocated for stricter immigration policies, including the controversial travel bans targeting primarily Muslim-majority countries and the “zero tolerance” policy that led to family separations at the border. These actions were seen as appealing to his base, but they were met with criticism from some conservatives who emphasized the importance of compassion and a more measured approach to immigration reform.

Violence Associated with MAGA Events or Personalities

Political violence in the US has been a growing concern in recent years. According to a report by Reuters, political violence in the US is at its worst since the 1970s. The violence has been directed against a variety of targets, including law enforcement officers, journalists, and political opponents. 

A recent poll found that more than one in five Americans are open to condoning political violence, including a third of Republicans. Another survey found that nearly one in four Americans believe political violence is justified to “save” the country. 

It is important to note that threats or abusive language against any individual or group are unacceptable and should be reported to the appropriate authorities. Violence and threats of violence have no place in a democratic society.

There are specific instances where violence has been attributed to individuals who identify as MAGA supporters or where MAGA rhetoric may have contributed to violent acts. The frequency of these violent acts is increasing as devoted MAGA members act out in support of rhetoric used by Republican leaders. Below is a list of incidents where violence was used:

  1. January 6th Capitol Riot: One of the most notable incidents associated with MAGA supporters was the storming of the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. The riot resulted in multiple injuries, deaths, and significant property damage. Many participants displayed signs and symbols associated with MAGA, and some mentioned President Trump’s rhetoric as motivation for their actions.
  • Charlottesville Unite the Right Rally: In August 2017, a white supremacist rally known as “Unite the Right” took place in Charlottesville, Virginia. While the participants represented a range of far-right ideologies, some attendees identified as MAGA supporters. Violence erupted between rally-goers and counter-protesters, resulting in the death of Heather Heyer, who was protesting against the white supremacists.
  • ABC News found in 2020 fifty-four separate events in which violent actions by individuals claiming Trump or MAGA connections. Usually these violent actions were the results of language used by Trump that evokes violence.
  • Amid MAGA extremists’calls for “civil war” last summer following the FBI’s search at Mar-a-Lago for classified documents, an armed man wearing body armor tried breaching the FBI’s Cincinnati field office, sparking an hours-long standoff that ended when he was gunned down after firing at officers.
  • In October, a man who had embraced far-right conspiracy theories broke into the home of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and yelled, “Where is Nancy?” before assaulting her 82-year-old husband with a hammer. 
  • Assaults at Trump rallies: Throughout Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, there were instances of physical altercations and assaults at his rallies. While these incidents cannot be solely attributed to MAGA supporters, they occurred in the context of highly charged political environments where Trump’s rhetoric often encouraged or condoned aggression towards protesters. 
  • A Texas woman named Abigail Jo Shry, a MAGA supporter, was charged with threatening to kill the federal judge overseeing former President Donald Trump’s criminal case in Washington, DC, over his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. She called the chambers of Judge Tanya Chutkan on August 5, and left a voicemail message threatening to “kill anyone who went after former President Trump,” according to a criminal complaint. The death threats also allegedly included racist comment against Chutkan, who is Black. Shry was charged with Transmission in Interstate or Foreign Commerce of any Communication Containing a Threat to Injure the Person of Another.
  • Assaults of the Press: Threats made against news organizations and individual journalists are numerous and ongoing. The instances listed in this report represent a fraction of the violence faced by members of the press. Here are a few instances where acts of violence have been directed towards members of the press:
  1. Capital Gazette shooting: In June 2018, a gunman targeted the offices of the Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis, Maryland. The attack resulted in the deaths of five journalists and left two others injured. The shooter had a history of expressing animosity towards the newspaper and had previously sued it for defamation.
  2. Other instances of violent acts and abusive language against the press by MAGA leaders or supporters. For example, in 2018, a man was arrested for threatening to kill employees of The Boston Globe newspaper, which had published editorials critical of President Trump. In 2020, a CNN reporter was arrested while covering protests in Minneapolis, despite identifying himself as a member of the press. In addition, former President Trump has repeatedly referred to the press as “fake news” and “the enemy of the people”. This rhetoric has been criticized for creating a hostile environment for journalists and encouraging violence against them.
  3. Attack on CNN: In October 2018, a series of attempted bomb attacks targeted prominent figures and organizations critical of President Trump, including CNN. Several explosive devices were sent through the mail, one of which was addressed to the CNN headquarters in New York City. While none of the devices detonated, the incident raised concerns about the safety of journalists.
  4. Assaults during protests: Journalists often face physical violence while covering protests and demonstrations.

Summary

Generally, MAGA policies and intentions generally focused on stimulating economic growth, reducing government regulations, strengthening national security, and advocating for a more America-centric approach to trade and international relations. Some key policy areas associated with the MAGA agenda included tax cuts, deregulation, immigration reform, renegotiating trade deals, and investing in infrastructure. These are also generally accepted Conservative goals that most Republican politicians advocate.  Since the election of 2016, these traditional conservative goals have been fortified with language and actions that are purely antidemocratic and more associated with Fascist and other autocratic organizations. In fact, many of Trump’s and MAGA’s actions are deceptive and run counter to traditional expectations.

Regarding the mention of violent acts and abuses, it is crucial to distinguish between the actions of individuals and the official stance of a political slogan. There have been instances where individuals claiming to support MAGA have been involved in violent acts or threats of violent acts. These acts of violence have been directed against a variety of targets, including law enforcement officers, journalists, and political opponents. Since Trump’s Indictments, threats to judges, prosecutors, and potential witnesses have skyrocketed.

No, the MAGA movement is not a Conservative movement nor is it Republican. The MAGA leaders have usurped the powers and name of the Republican Party leaving conservatives with only a remembrance of true conservatism. The MAGA movement is a deception.