As the United States navigates through the complexities of its political landscape, former President Donald Trump’s influence over the government is ever-present. Trump’s legacy, in many ways, is tied to the movement he inspired—Make America Great Again (MAGA). While his time in office officially ended with his loss to Joe Biden in 2020, Trump’s imprint on American politics is far from faded. His unyielding presence continues to shape the direction of the Republican Party and the wider government, as he pushes an ideological agenda rooted in nationalism, populism, and defiance of the political establishment.
The phrase “imposing MAGA rule on the government hour-by-hour” refers to Trump’s ongoing efforts to steer the machinery of government in a direction consistent with his vision of America. This is evident not only through his own actions but through his influence over candidates, the policies he endorses, and his ability to steer public discourse. In this article, we will explore how Trump’s influence continues to pervade American politics in ways both subtle and overt, and how he is shaping the government and the country hour-by-hour.
The MAGA Movement: A Lasting Legacy
When Donald Trump entered the political arena in 2015, his slogan, “Make America Great Again,” resonated deeply with millions of Americans who felt sidelined by globalization, disillusioned with political elites, and concerned about the country’s shifting demographics and culture. This movement attracted a base that saw Trump as a political outsider who could challenge the establishment. As president, Trump delivered on many of his promises, including tax cuts, deregulation, and a tough stance on immigration. His presidency became synonymous with a confrontational approach to both domestic and foreign policy, as well as a rhetoric that prioritized “America First” in all matters of governance.
Even after losing the 2020 election, Trump maintained a substantial influence within the Republican Party and among his base. The MAGA movement, once a campaign slogan, has evolved into a political philosophy that dictates much of his party’s policy positions. Trump’s influence is particularly strong among Republican lawmakers, many of whom seek his endorsement as a way to solidify their political positions. The fear of alienating his base has left many GOP members aligned with Trump’s ideology, even if they didn’t fully embrace it before.
Trump’s Influence Over Candidates
One of the most striking aspects of Trump’s continued influence is his hold over Republican candidates seeking office, particularly in primaries. Since leaving the White House, Trump has become a kingmaker in the Republican Party, wielding enormous power over which candidates win primaries and secure party nominations. His endorsements have become critical to a candidate’s success, and many Republican politicians have embraced the MAGA brand to align themselves with his base.
Take, for example, the 2022 midterm elections, where Trump endorsed a slew of Republican candidates who mirrored his style and values. His candidates embraced hard-right positions on issues such as immigration, law enforcement, and election integrity, promoting a vision of America that reflects Trump’s view of the country’s ideal future. In many cases, these candidates campaigned on promises to fight the so-called “deep state,” defend conservative values, and roll back progressive policies enacted by the Biden administration.
What this has created is a political environment where Trump’s influence is not limited to his personal actions but extends across the entire GOP infrastructure. Candidates who win under his banner often pledge their loyalty to Trump’s agenda, further embedding MAGA principles into the core of the Republican Party. This has forced traditional Republicans to shift their positions to match Trump’s worldview, resulting in a party more unified by Trump’s ideology than ever before.
MAGA Rule and Policy Influence
While Trump no longer holds office, his policy priorities continue to drive much of the Republican agenda. From immigration to economic policy, Trump’s vision for America is still alive and well in the policies being pushed at the state and federal levels.
On immigration, Trump’s tough stance continues to shape the debate. Republican lawmakers, buoyed by Trump’s rhetoric, have sought to pass strict immigration laws at the state level, including measures to restrict asylum claims, prevent illegal immigration, and ramp up border security. These policies reflect the core of Trump’s “America First” stance, which prioritized national security and restricted immigration from countries deemed as a threat to American interests. Trump’s rhetoric on immigration, often focused on the dangers of illegal immigration and the need to protect American jobs, is still echoed in the policies being implemented by his political allies.
In terms of economic policy, Trump’s tax cuts and deregulation efforts are still part of the GOP’s economic platform. Republican lawmakers, many of whom view Trump’s tax cuts as a foundational part of his presidency, continue to advocate for similar tax relief for businesses and individuals. The push for deregulation, particularly in the environmental and labor sectors, reflects the belief that less government intervention allows for greater economic growth—a key principle that was central to Trump’s presidency.
Moreover, Trump’s rhetoric on issues such as law and order and the “defunding of the police” has created a foundation for Republicans to advocate for a more militarized approach to policing. This has been echoed in various state legislatures, where Republicans have pushed for more funding for police departments and stiffer penalties for crime, all in line with Trump’s tough-on-crime approach.
Trump’s Hourly Impact on Public Discourse
Beyond his influence in the halls of government, Trump continues to dominate the American political conversation hour-by-hour. His social media presence, particularly his use of platforms like Truth Social, has allowed him to communicate directly with millions of supporters. His posts and statements often drive news cycles and set the tone for political debates, whether he is weighing in on national issues or commenting on his legal challenges.
Trump’s frequent public appearances, rallies, and speeches have ensured that his voice remains loud and influential in American politics. He has built a direct channel to his supporters, bypassing traditional media outlets that he often criticizes as being biased or part of the “fake news” narrative. This unfiltered communication style ensures that his message stays at the forefront of American political discourse.
Trump’s influence on the media cannot be understated. His ability to generate headlines and capture public attention means that the MAGA agenda continues to dominate conversations about the direction of the country. Whether he’s criticizing President Biden, promoting conservative values, or discussing his legal battles, Trump’s words often set the agenda for political discussions.
Legal Challenges and MAGA Resilience
While Trump’s political influence is undeniable, his legal challenges have also become a defining aspect of his post-presidency. With ongoing investigations into the events surrounding January 6, 2021, and his handling of classified documents, Trump has remained a central figure in the news. However, despite these challenges, Trump’s supporters continue to rally around him, interpreting the legal proceedings as part of an establishment effort to undermine his movement.
The resilience of MAGA supporters is evident in the way they defend Trump. For many, his legal battles only reinforce the belief that he is a victim of a political witch hunt. This has made Trump’s legal issues an extension of his political narrative, where he positions himself as a champion of the people fighting against a corrupt system.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s influence over American politics is not merely a relic of his time in office; it is a living, breathing force that continues to shape the government hour-by-hour. Whether through his endorsements of political candidates, his shaping of policy agendas, or his direct influence on public discourse, Trump’s MAGA movement remains an essential part of the fabric of American politics.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Trump’s hold over the Republican Party will likely continue to grow stronger. The battle for control of the government will be waged not just through traditional political means, but through the lens of MAGA rule. With Trump leading the charge, the future of American politics will be shaped by his vision of what it means to “Make America Great Again.”