politics

The rise of Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement has had a profound impact on American politics, rallying millions with powerful slogans, evocative symbols, and deeply emotional beliefs. Over time, however, the movement has sparked growing concern, with critics pointing to characteristics that resemble those of cults. By examining the MAGA movement through renowned psychiatrist Robert J. Lifton’s “Eight Criteria for Thought Reform”—sometimes referred to as the “Eight Deadly Sins of Cults”—we can explore whether MAGA demonstrates cult-like behavior, including restricted information flow, loaded language, an “us versus them” mentality, and the idealization of a “chosen” leader.

1. Milieu Control

Lifton’s concept of milieu control involves restricting or filtering the information accessible to members, isolating them within a specific narrative framework. The MAGA movement has actively encouraged its followers to distrust mainstream media, often dismissing it as “fake news” or part of a larger conspiracy to undermine Trump. This suspicion has fostered an environment where alternative conservative media sources are heavily promoted, creating a closed informational loop that sustains a MAGA echo chamber. Within this setting, dissenting opinions are dismissed or condemned as threats to the movement's purity. This tightly controlled flow of information can encourage a hyper-loyalty to MAGA beliefs, as members begin to see mainstream media and opposition views not merely as differing opinions but as dangerous or morally corrupt.

2. Mystical Manipulation

Mystical manipulation describes how leaders portray themselves as singular, destined figures with a unique, transformative mission. Trump often uses language positioning himself as America’s sole savior, framing his role and actions as essential to the nation’s survival. His rhetoric suggests that only he can “save” America from existential threats, presenting his platform as something beyond ordinary political ideology. This positioning taps into a narrative of “chosen” leadership, which elevates Trump above typical political leaders. For MAGA followers, this portrayal of Trump’s leadership reinforces a sense of purpose and destiny that moves beyond the pragmatic into the realm of almost religious fervor, discouraging critique and reinforcing absolute loyalty.

3. Demand for Purity

A demand for purity involves dividing the world into stark categories of good and evil, cultivating an “us vs. them” mentality. In MAGA circles, members are encouraged to see themselves as the last bastion of true American patriotism, standing in opposition to perceived “enemies” of the nation—often liberals, immigrants, and international organizations. This polarization fosters an environment where MAGA supporters consider themselves as defenders of America’s “purity” and view those outside the movement as a direct threat to the nation’s integrity. Even within the movement, members who question Trump’s platform or actions may risk being labeled as tainted or disloyal. Such a purity test discourages internal critique, further strengthening the ideological uniformity of the group.

4. The Cult of Confession

In many cults, confession serves as a means of control, requiring individuals to disclose and “purify” themselves of disloyalty or moral failings. Within MAGA, although there is no formalized confession ritual, social and cultural pressure to conform exerts a similar force. Public figures and everyday supporters who challenge Trump risk ostracism, “cancelation,” or public condemnation. High-profile Republicans who voiced dissent—such as Senator Mitt Romney or Representative Liz Cheney—have faced significant backlash from MAGA supporters, often needing to justify their actions to avoid alienation from the community. The pressure to conform within MAGA operates as a type of confessional force, silencing or reintegrating dissenters through social and reputational consequences.

5. Sacred Science

Sacred science describes the elevation of a group’s beliefs to unquestionable truth. In MAGA, Trump’s statements, even when factually challenged, are frequently accepted as gospel by followers, with opposition dismissed as part of a liberal conspiracy. The narrative of the 2020 “stolen election,” despite extensive evidence to the contrary, became a rallying cry within MAGA, symbolizing loyalty to the movement and faith in Trump’s message. This approach exemplifies sacred science by rejecting contradictory evidence and elevating Trump’s words to an infallible truth. As a result, even verifiable facts that counter MAGA beliefs are rejected as untrustworthy, reinforcing a shared but insular “truth” within the movement.

6. Loading the Language

Cults often develop a specific language or shorthand that simplifies complex issues into emotionally charged slogans. MAGA employs phrases like “drain the swamp,” “lock her up,” and “fake news,” which condense political debates into simple binaries that evoke anger or loyalty. This use of loaded language limits critical thinking and encourages knee-jerk emotional responses, creating a shared lexicon that binds members of the movement together while setting up barriers for outsiders. For MAGA supporters, this language fosters an immediate sense of camaraderie and purpose, providing them with a quick way to dismiss opposition viewpoints as inherently flawed or morally compromised.

7. Doctrine Over Person

Doctrine over person refers to the prioritization of group ideology over individual beliefs or morals. MAGA’s doctrine emphasizes unwavering loyalty to Trump’s policies and perspectives, often overriding personal values or American principles. For instance, policies such as family separation at the border were supported by many MAGA followers despite contradicting values of family unity that some may have previously held. Within this framework, individual qualms are frequently sidelined, and members may adopt stances they might otherwise question, seeing alignment with MAGA doctrine as paramount.

8. Dispensing of Existence

Cults often marginalize outsiders, perceiving those outside the group as threats to the group’s identity and purpose. In MAGA, rhetoric frequently casts non-supporters—especially liberals, immigrants, and some minority groups—as existential threats to the “true” America. This framing allows MAGA members to view outsiders as harmful to the nation’s future, justifying their rejection, marginalization, or, in some cases, hostility toward them. By dehumanizing opponents as un-American or dangerous, MAGA rhetoric effectively reinforces in-group loyalty while heightening animosity toward perceived “enemies” of their vision for America.

Conclusion

When examined through Lifton’s eight criteria, the MAGA movement exhibits many features traditionally associated with cult-like behavior. Through strict information control, a divine mission narrative, a demand for purity, and loaded language, MAGA fosters an environment where loyalty to Trump and his worldview becomes absolute. This environment discourages critical thinking, isolating followers from alternative perspectives and reinforcing a shared identity grounded in distrust of “outsiders.”

Understanding these cult-like aspects is crucial for those who value a diverse and democratic society. By recognizing the thought-reform tactics at play within MAGA, there may be potential to bridge divides, encouraging critical thinking and open dialogue among its followers. Cult-like dynamics can pose significant challenges to democratic principles, but awareness and education may provide a foundation for fostering independent thought and constructive political engagement in the face of increasingly polarized ideologies.