By Matt Underwood It seems like a recurring theme at CPAC is the idea that the MAGA movement, as we’ve known it, might be on its way out, particularly among the younger generation. There’s a sense that while the old guard might still be clinging to the familiar slogans and figureheads, the youth are exploring or perhaps already have moved on to something else, or at least a different interpretation of it.
Some observers suggest that MAGA is fundamentally a response to a perceived lack of prosperity and a desire for a return to a perceived better time, fueled by a powerful, almost cult-like devotion to a single leader. This strong personality-driven aspect, they argue, is inherently unstable and prone to internal conflict and eventual fragmentation once that central figure is no longer in the picture.
The notion of “purity testing” within these movements is also brought up as a factor that contributes to their eventual unraveling. When a movement demands strict adherence to a specific ideology or loyalty, it can alienate those who deviate even slightly, leading to internal dissent and splintering. This, coupled with a charismatic but potentially divisive leader, creates an environment that’s built for eventual collapse.
Interestingly, there’s a perspective that the youth are not necessarily abandoning the underlying sentiments of MAGA but are instead seeking out even more extreme ideologies or figures. The idea that the current iteration of MAGA might be considered too moderate or not extreme enough for some younger adherents is a concerning thought. This suggests a progression towards more overtly white supremacist or neo-Nazi ideologies, a “final solution” as some put it.
This shift is contrasted with how things used to be, where being young often correlated with more liberal leanings. The current trend of young people embracing the obnoxiousness and strong stances often associated with figures like Trump is seen as a significant and negative change. It’s noted that this embrace of strong, often aggressive, personalities is something that resonates with the kind of content popular on platforms like TikTok, suggesting a new pathway for ideological influence.
There’s also a sense of disappointment or frustration that the MAGA movement, despite its rhetoric about corruption and saving children, is perceived to have enabled and protected those it claimed to oppose. The idea that MAGA might have served its immediate purpose, perhaps by keeping certain individuals out of jail or advancing specific foreign policy interests, and is now on its way to being phased out, is a thought that lingers.
The concern that MAGA is not truly dying but merely hibernating, waiting for the next charismatic leader to emerge with promises of economic relief and a return to national pride, is a prevalent one. This suggests a cyclical nature to these movements, where the underlying grievances are exploited repeatedly by different figures. The fear is that without addressing the root causes of these sentiments, the movement will simply rebrand and resurface.
Furthermore, there’s a feeling that even if the specific label “MAGA” fades, the core ideas and the people who embraced them will continue to hold influence. They might become embarrassed by their past associations, but their voting habits and underlying beliefs are likely to remain consistent, simply finding new outlets or leaders.
Some believe that the damage caused by the MAGA era is irreparable, and that regardless of whether the movement itself is “dying,” the consequences will be long-lasting. The notion that Trump served as a kind of test for the public’s willingness to embrace openly extremist ideologies is also raised, with the expectation that the next figurehead will be even more overtly so.
The idea that MAGA is simply a politicized form of incel culture, or that it’s a manifestation of mental sickness, also surfaces, highlighting the deeply ingrained and perhaps psychological underpinnings of this movement for some. The thought that the youth might be moving past Trump, but not necessarily past the ideology itself, and are perhaps drawn to figures like Nick Fuentes, is a stark warning.
Ultimately, while some see signs of decline or transformation within the youth movement at CPAC, there’s a significant undercurrent of skepticism. Many believe that the movement is more resilient than it appears, with deep roots and the capacity to adapt and re-emerge, potentially in even more dangerous forms. The question isn’t just if MAGA is dying, but what will rise from its ashes, and whether society is prepared for it.