On a recent visit to Norfolk, Virginia, in October, I looked across the Elizabeth River and saw a parade of Trump boats headed downtown. The boat parade stands as a strong symbol of Trump’s campaign and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement that supported it.
Private boat owners and the freedom to enjoy America’s vast waterways are emblematic of a presidential campaign based on a form of populist politics that seeks to protect citizens, heal a broken country and welcome a new age of United States gold.
In addition to winning traditionally Republican states, Trump won key states such as Georgia (50.7%), North Carolina (51%), Pennsylvania (50.7%) and Wisconsin (49.7%), which allowed him to obtain a sufficient number of votes in the electoral college. He also won more than 5,000,000 popular votes, far surpassing his 2020 election effort.
In his victory speech in Palm Beach, Trump said: “We’re going to help our country heal… We have a country that needs help and desperately needs it. “We’re going to fix our borders, we’re going to fix everything about our country and tonight we made history for a reason.” He continued, “This is a magnificent victory for the American people that will allow us to make America great again.” Make America Great Again is an empty signifier, whose very meaning can only be deduced by listening to the campaign’s political speech and evaluating the set of policies and actions it proposes Trump spent much of his campaign ridiculing the current state of the United States, describing it as a “decadent nation” and the “ garbage can of the world” invaded by rampant and uncontrolled immigration by the Biden administration, which has transformed the United States into “an occupied country”.
His proposed approach, laid out at numerous rallies and speeches, includes plans for the mass deportation of more than 11 million people, a promise to secure the U.S. border with Mexico, the imposition of higher tariffs on a broader selection of countries, reducing the tax burden on wealthier Americans, delegating women’s reproductive freedom to the states, and creating a more agile and loyal federal bureaucracy that allows it to get things done.
With effective political control of Congress and the Supreme Court, whose April 2024 decision in Trump v. United States grants broad immunity to the executive branch for what it calls “official acts,” new institutional arrangements and the constellation of Power politics in Washington make these and other plans more possible than ever before. But these extraordinary political events raise the fundamental MAGA question: “Qui bono?” Who will really benefit from the MAGA revolution?
In Trump’s speech at the Madison Square Garden rally he said: ”On day one, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history to root out criminals.” The practical logistics of implementing this plan have not been formalized, nor has the economic impact of expelling such a significant portion of the workforce, largely employed in agriculture, manufacturing, in the construction and service sectors.
Imposing higher tariffs on a broader selection of countries will put immediate upward pressure on the price of goods imported from abroad, much of which will fall on consumers. This attempt to address inflation challenges in the post-COVID economic recovery period will only exacerbate the cost of living crisis.
Cutting taxes on the wealthiest individuals and businesses will contribute to the federal budget deficit and will not benefit Americans in the lowest tax brackets. The additional costs to the public purse could be offset by Elon Musk’s claim (potentially responsible for “government efficiency”) to cut public spending by $2 trillion; However, as with the mass deportation plan, it is not yet clear how it will be implemented or when, leading to greater economic uncertainty and potential reductions in services for those most in need.
Trump has overridden his policies regarding women’s reproductive freedom following the 2022 Dobbs v. Supreme Court ruling. The Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the earlier Roe v. Wading. Trump is proud to have had a decisive role in this decision and in delegating laws and policies to the states; However, there now exists a patchwork of laws across states that provide variable access to reproductive health services, which has an unequal, disproportionate, and harmful effect on women. This set of policies, initiatives and plans that are part of the MAGA universe were overwhelmingly approved in democratic elections. What remains to be seen, however, is how many and which Americans are in the same boat.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Expert on Trump’s Campaign and MAGA Movement
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to the Time.news podcast. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Emily Johnson, a political scientist specializing in American populism and electoral politics. Emily, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Emily Johnson (EJ): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. I recently read about a boat parade in Norfolk, Virginia, showcasing support for Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. What do you think such displays signify in the context of American politics today?
EJ: The boat parade is a fascinating example of how Trump’s supporters express their allegiance. It’s not just about the boats; it’s a symbol of community and shared values among those who feel overlooked by traditional political discourse. Events like this highlight the emotional connection that many have with Trump’s populist message.
TNE: Speaking of that message, Trump has portrayed America as a “decadent nation” that needs fixing. How does this kind of rhetoric play into the MAGA narrative?
EJ: Trump’s language resonates deeply with a segment of the population that feels disillusioned with the government and societal changes. When he refers to America as an “occupied country,” he taps into fears about immigration and demographic shifts. This narrative creates a sense of urgency and implies that only he can restore what has been lost. It’s a classic populist tactic to position oneself as the only savior capable of healing a broken nation.
TNE: In his victory speech, Trump underscored the need for healing and change. What are the implications of his proposed policies, such as mass deportation and higher tariffs? Who stands to gain or lose from these measures?
EJ: Those policies reflect a hardline stance that could significantly reshape American labor dynamics. For instance, mass deportation could disrupt industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor, like agriculture and construction, leading to economic ripple effects. On the flip side, Trump’s supporters might view tariffs as a necessary strategy to protect American jobs, though it could lead to increased prices for consumers. The real question is: who truly benefits from these policies? Often, it’s the wealthier class who might see tax breaks alongside protections for their businesses.
TNE: You’ve mentioned the potential economic impacts of his plans, yet there seems to be a lack of concrete logistics to implement some of these ideas. Is this a strategy in itself, to keep the conversation going without a clear plan?
EJ: Absolutely. This lack of specificity allows for flexibility in messaging and creates a space for supporters to project their own hopes and fears onto his proposals. It keeps the conversation alive and dynamic. Furthermore, by not outlining a detailed plan, he avoids alienating any part of his base that might oppose certain measures.
TNE: Given the recent Supreme Court ruling that grants broader immunity to the executive branch, how do you see this affecting Trump’s governance if he returns to office?
EJ: That ruling could empower Trump significantly by insulating him from certain legal challenges, thus allowing him to execute his agenda more freely. This could lead to a shift in power dynamics in Washington. However, it also raises ethical questions about accountability and the extent to which a leader should be permitted to act without scrutiny.
TNE: It’s a complex landscape indeed. do you think the MAGA movement has a sustainable future beyond Trump’s presidency?
EJ: The core values of the MAGA movement resonate with a large demographic that feels their voices are marginalized. Even if Trump were to step away from the political scene, the underlying sentiments could continue to influence American politics. Whether it evolves into a more structured political movement or continues as a personality-driven campaign remains to be seen, but its roots are deep in the current political environment.
TNE: Thank you, Emily, for sharing your insights. The ramifications of these political movements will be critical as we move towards the next election cycle.
EJ: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how this develops.
TNE: That’s all for today’s interview! Tune in next time for more insights into the ever-evolving landscape of American politics.