Roy Cohn taught Donald Trump a straightforward approach: never apologize, never admit mistakes, and always fight back. This mindset fueled Trump’s rise in politics, allowing him to lie freely and insult various groups without losing his loyal followers. They often interpret his aggressive style as genuine. However, as Trump enters his second term, that charm seems to be fading, especially as past risky moves come back to haunt him.
Recently, Trump shared a racist video depicting the Obamas in an offensive manner. While he didn’t apologize, he deleted the video, shifting blame to an unnamed staffer. This might indicate he understands that relentless audacity is losing its appeal. Even some loyal supporters seem to be struggling to maintain their version of reality.
The backlash was quick and widespread, with some Republicans voicing disapproval. Tim Scott, the only Black Republican senator, referred to the video as “the most racist thing” seen from the White House. Even vulnerable House Republicans like Mike Lawler called for an apology.
At first, the White House dismissed the video as an internet meme, but that response didn’t hold. Within hours, the video was removed. The justification given was muddled: a staffer posted it, and Trump didn’t notice the imagery due to his focus on other content. Interestingly, the problematic clip appeared at the end of the video.
Just days later, another incident occurred. JD Vance’s official account posted a statement recognizing the Armenian genocide during his visit to Armenia. However, this post also vanished shortly after, with an explanation that it was a mistake. The White House maintained there was no policy shift despite this alternate acknowledgment of an event recognized by much of the global community.
Groups like the Armenian National Committee of America criticized the deletion as a disgraceful attempt to deny history. Trump’s first term saw the avoidance of this recognition to appease Turkey. Now, that disregard seems to have resurfaced.
When asked if there was a problem with social media management, the press secretary firmly responded, “No.” The reality is that the MAGA movement’s bravado is faltering under the weight of its contradictions. They thrive on provocation but panic when faced with backlash.
This duality is not just limited to Trump. Allies within the MAGA sphere are also experiencing discord. For example, Elon Musk and Steve Bannon found themselves in a public spat. Meanwhile, Republicans are also getting riled up over a Super Bowl halftime performance by Bad Bunny, which they misleadingly claimed was objectionable. Some Republicans accused him of promoting drug use based on selective lyrics, while Trump harshly criticized the show as a threat to American standards.
However, not all conservatives agree with this outrage. Meghan McCain even questioned their taste if they didn’t enjoy the performance. Some fellow right-wing figures, like Christopher Rufo, pointed out the absurdity of the claims, indicating a growing rift among conservatives on how to engage with cultural issues.
What this shows is that the MAGA identity, built on provoking others, now finds its followers sounding more like censors than provocateurs. Nick Fuentes, a noted far-right podcaster, mocked fellow conservatives for their exaggerated outrage, highlighting how the movement has turned from being the “trolls” into the easily offended.
Despite these internal conflicts, Trump continues to assert his popularity, particularly among Hispanic voters, often citing outdated claims to support his narrative. But blaming others for mistakes reveals cracks in their tough-guy image.
As Trump faces increasing criticism from within his ranks, it appears the MAGA movement is under strain. The once all-powerful aggression is unraveling, suggesting that Trump may be in a weaker position than he realizes. As pushback grows, it’s becoming clearer that the foundations of MAGA are shifting, hinting at potential change ahead.
For more on the evolving landscape of politics, check out Salon.
