Ross Douthat argues that the Epstein mess proves that MAGA has an existence outside of Trump and puts limits on him. He’s right; reactionaries were present in the GOP long before Trump came on the scene, as Pat Buchanan could tell you. But where does MAGA go when Trump finally leaves?
As I see it, there are several possibilities:
- MILITARIZED MAGA: Jack up the defense budget, eviscerate the welfare state to pay for it, and shoot anyone who complains. MOST LIKELY PROPONENT: Tom Cotton.
- ECONOMIC POPULIST MAGA: Increase taxes on the wealthy, cut them for poor workers, and protect the welfare state. MOST LIKELY PROPONENT: Josh Hawley.
- GODLY SOCIETY MAGA: Keep going with the tariffs and deportations, limit America’s obligations overseas, and take stronger steps to increase the native population. MOST LIKELY PROPONENT: J.D. Vance.
- CULTURE WAR MAGA: The business of America is to fight wokeness wherever it can be found. MOST LIKELY PROPONENT: Ron DeSantis.
- NEW CONFEDERACY MAGA: Reduce the power of the federal government and let the red states do whatever they want to oppress anyone who isn’t a straight white Christian. MOST LIKELY PROPONENT: Greg Abbott.
The battle for the soul of MAGA will probably take place starting in 2027, and will be fascinating in the same way as car crashes and natural disasters.