The differences between MAGA Republicans and ‘normal’ Republicans are huge. Here is why the two of them should never be mixed up

The ‘Make America Great Again’ (or MAGA) movement has risen up and started as Donald Trump’s presidential campaign motto. Although it appeals to Americans who once used to believe in the American Dream, MAGA has now divided an entire nation. More than that, it is increasingly referenced in the international media and linked to European politics and more.

If you are a conservative, that does not equal to being MAGA. And if you align with MAGA, that does not equal to being conservative. So, here is the catch…

Eager MAGA supporters are now labeling non-MAGA Republicans as RINOs. That is, Republicans in Name Only. If we argue that MAGA Republicans support MAGA thanks to the Donald Trump affiliation, then it is rather the MAGA Republicans that are RINOs. Supporting the values and actions as found in MAGA policy and practice has therefore absolutely nothing to do with Republicanism as political ideology. The reason is… uncomfortable.

We have heard of traditional Republicans and conservative Republicans. But MAGA at its core is nothing but populism disguised as something more socially acceptable – genuine and patriotic dedication to the Republican party. Could this be a clever facade for the cult of Trump? Specialists believe so!

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While both ‘normal’ Republicans and MAGA Republicans fall under the umbrella of right-leaning politics, the two categories have totally distinct priorities and areas of emphasis. So, the singular significant similarity here could be both parts’ support on national defense through military presence, limited government interference with free market economy, and strong law enforcement. Other than that, we are looking at pears and apples here.

Why is MAGA populist?

Populism stems from the idea of people for people, as opposed to elites for people. It highlights the importance of simple individuals coming together. Those that are not so simple but elites could essentially not empathize and prioritize the people, according to populist ideas. Beneath the surface, it seems more than valid that people who benefit from less abundance and less power are left feeling opposed to exploitative elites. These are the people who the Constitution has failed – they have unequal access to opportunities.

The boomerang effect took decades to come around, but we now see it happening clear and loud. Populism gives a voice against the system for those that were disappointed by the system. However, the rise of populism and MAGA values are not intentional or a calculated revenge of simple American people. No, it is subconscious and well-disguised.

On the other side, ‘normal’ Republicans have faith in the state actions and government structures. Based on statistical interpretations, these Republicans have faced less adversity in their relationships with America as they know it and generally have higher education levels.

Here is a more tangible example. In theory, Republicans are supporters of any free trade that has the best possible outcomes for national economy. Even if it comes from a different continent, trade of products and services that best benefits America is more than acceptable for either traditional or conservative Republicans. The end goal is for the people, too. This does not apply to MAGA Republicans’ beliefs, though. They would rather prioritize trades of products and services made in America, even if costs increase and these trade deals are not the best possible deals for the economy on the long run.

While one side is logical, thinking ahead and embracing global trends of trade for the true sake of Americans, MAGA supporters militating for the people only put more financial pressure on the same people. Why then are they not able to see it that way?

Our country is likely to witness many other authoritarian movements to come, not just populist nuances. When symptoms are left untreated, people find shelter in dangerous political ideologies, closer to the 1930s than to the 21st century democracy.

It’s identity loss. And the most vulnerable Republicans have found meaning in Trump’s oppression to other vulnerable groups

Even if this is highly controversial, we cannot deny the vivid characteristics that makes MAGA look like a group promoting identity loss and enmeshment.

Identity loss operates around a charismatic and assertive leader. He is believed to be infallible, no matter what. MAGA critics say Donald Trump fits this mold: MAGA Republicans will support him despite legal and ethical misconduct that is commonly unacceptable if coming from the simple people. Blinded MAGA Americans are loyal to Trump even if his policy has direct negative implications on them.

‘Normal’ Republicans may support some of Trump’s policy and practice, but are not hesitant to criticize him as a politician and presidential figure.

Identity loss also create an us versus them mentality. In MAGA, this is not only seen as polarization from the Democrats or progressive movements. Because MAGA Republicans are rash even with non-MAGA Republicans!

The MAGA movement supporters reject information from outside the group. Instead of expressing concern or system dissatisfaction in a more institutional tone, MAGA is known for distorting social media information and being aggressive warriors of their said justice.

At the end of the day, MAGA Republicans’ inflammation is not about whether non-MAGA individuals agree with MAGA points of view. It is rather about everyone having to agree with any Trump point of view.

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Bottom line: Productive dialogue needs to happen in the middle. Be a small part of making it work by dropping discrimination of any kind

While normal Republicans and MAGA Republicans have some extent of overlap in their characteristics and beliefs, their dynamic is still contributing to national (and international) polarization.

At its roots, MAGA’s rising power ultimately stems from real grievances about economics, culture, and trust in institutions — which many people feel deeply helpless about. These people were disappointed by the system they trusted. And if the system cannot make it up to them for the betrayal, populist and more other authoritarian trends will likely continue to develop in people’s America.

It is encouraged that people try to understand the fuel behind MAGA. In an ideal world, no citizen should have their government turn its back on them. Sadly, MAGA Republicans are marching alongside convicted President Trump and empowered by their group identity precisely due to finally finding hope.

It is true that the world as we know it and as our parents know it is taking a tragic shift. But there are still plenty of other democracy-effective sources of hope. For instance, hilarious American collectibles. Don’t think you need a Trumpinator figure? Yes, you do. They are still affordable nowadays, but we all know this will go down in history – good or bad. Collect Trump collectibles or gift them to your Republican friend—alternatively, just be a good American patriot and grab yourself this unique Donald Trumpinator here.

Are you a MAGA Republican or a ‘normal’ Republican? Let us know what you think down below in the comments.

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If you found this useful, continue reading Why People Become Left-Wing: A Social Perspective.