MAGA populism shows a dynamic relationship between Trump and his supporters. While Trump embodies the populist sentiment, he did not originate it and is not its sole architect. A negotiation occurs between his political goals and voter preferences, allowing for an ideological tether that influences his actions. Particularly in immigration, Trump’s personal views are moderated by a desire to align with the strong anti-immigration sentiments held by some supporters, like Stephen Miller, indicating constraints on his choices even as he navigates key policy decisions.
The president is an especially potent avatar for the broad populist impulse across the West. But he did not create that impulse and doesn't single-handedly decide what it demands or where it ends up.
There is an ongoing negotiation between what the president would like to do and what his voters will accept. In some cases, what MAGA wants acts as an ideological tether on Trump's political impulses.
Collection
[
|
...
]