Аннотация: What is Trump's slogan: Make America Great Again? Is this his slogan and concept, or is it the idea of all Americans, the political idea of the United States?
I. "Make America Great Again" (MAGA)
The slogan "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) has become a defining symbol of contemporary American populism, evoking a nostalgic vision of national strength and a call to restore a perceived lost era of prosperity. While closely associated with Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States (born 1946), its origins trace back to Ronald Reagan (1911-2004), highlighting a recurring theme in American political rhetoric. This chapter explores the inception of the MAGA concept, the individuals who shaped it, and its transformative effects across Trump"s two presidencies, analyzing its populist resonance and societal impact through a lens of historical reflection.
The phrase "Make America Great Again" was first popularized by Ronald Reagan during his 1980 presidential campaign, articulated as "Let"s Make America Great Again." Reagan, a former actor and California governor, used the slogan to address a nation grappling with economic stagflation and a crisis of confidence following the Vietnam War and the Iran hostage crisis. His campaign promised economic renewal through tax cuts, deregulation, and a strong anti-communist foreign policy, striking a chord with voters seeking a return to greatness (Troy 2009: 65). Reagan"s optimistic message contributed to his landslide victory, establishing him as a pivotal figure in modern conservatism. Although he did not trademark the phrase, its emotional appeal set the stage for its later revival.
Donald Trump, a New York real estate developer, adopted "Make America Great Again" for his 2016 presidential campaign, having trademarked it in 2012 after the Republican electoral loss to Barack Obama (Kranish & Fisher 2016: 287). Trump"s version of MAGA recast Reagan"s optimism into a combative populism, framing America"s decline as a betrayal by globalist elites and ineffective politicians. His platform emphasized trade protectionism, immigration restrictions, and an "America First" foreign policy, resonating with working-class voters alienated by economic and cultural changes (Skowronek 2020: 178). The slogan"s simplicity and open-endedness made it a powerful vehicle for diverse grievances, forging a movement-like identity among supporters.
During Trump"s first presidency (2017-2021), MAGA materialized in policies like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which reduced corporate taxes to stimulate economic growth, and efforts to build a U.S.-Mexico border wall, symbolizing immigration control (Gale & Samwick 2017: 12). These initiatives energized his base but deepened national divisions, with critics arguing that MAGA"s nostalgic vision idealized an exclusionary past that sidelined minorities and women (Lepore 2018: 678). The slogan"s cultural reach was amplified through social media, fostering a sense of community among supporters, though events like the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot revealed its potential to incite unrest (Woodward 2020: 321).
In Trump"s second term (2025-present), MAGA has adapted to address new priorities, such as energy policy reforms and resistance to progressive cultural shifts. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke empowerment, though it continues to face criticism for exacerbating social and economic divides (Skowronek 2020: 192). Born from Reagan"s vision of renewal and transformed by Trump"s populist zeal, MAGA has reshaped American political discourse, leaving a legacy of both mobilization and polarization.
II. Future Prospects of MAGA: An Author"s Perspective
The "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement, with its blend of populist fervor, economic nationalism, and cultural restorationism, has redefined American political life under Donald Trump"s leadership. If the United States continues to pursue this vision, its trajectory promises both bold transformations and profound challenges, reshaping the nation"s domestic fabric and its role on the global stage.
Internally, a sustained MAGA agenda would likely deepen the emphasis on economic self-reliance and cultural conservatism. Policies prioritizing deregulation, tax cuts, and energy independence could stimulate industries like manufacturing and fossil fuels, fostering job growth in "Rust Belt" (iron and steel) regions and reinforcing the loyalty of Trump"s working-class base (Cleveland, Toledo, Youngstown, Akron, Dayton, Cincinnati (Ohio); Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Erie, Scranton, Allentown (Pennsylvania); Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Saginaw (Michigan); Gary, South Bend, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Hammond (Indiana); Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Decatur (Illinois); Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Manitowoc (Wisconsin); Wheeling, Huntington, Charleston (West Virginia); Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Niagara Falls (New York). However, this focus risks exacerbating economic inequality, as tax benefits may disproportionately favor corporations and high earners, leaving marginalized communities with limited gains. Culturally, MAGA"s resistance to progressive shifts-such as diversity initiatives or gender equity-could galvanize traditionalist voters but alienate urban and younger demographics, intensifying social polarization. The movement"s reliance on charismatic leadership and media-driven narratives may further erode trust in institutions, from the judiciary to the press, potentially destabilizing democratic norms. While MAGA"s vision of a unified national identity rooted in a nostalgic past could inspire some, it risks alienating those who see it as exclusionary, potentially fueling protests or civil unrest.
Externally, MAGA"s "America First" doctrine would likely shape a foreign policy of selective engagement, prioritizing strategic national interests over multilateral cooperation. The U.S. might continue to challenge China as a primary economic and geopolitical rival, using tariffs and sanctions to counter its global influence, particularly in technology and trade. This confrontational stance could escalate tensions, risking trade wars or even military posturing in regions like the South China Sea. Similarly, nations perceived as exploiting American resources-such as certain European allies reliant on U.S. defense spending-might face pressure to renegotiate terms, straining NATO or other alliances. Conversely, the U.S. could seek pragmatic deals with nations like India or Saudi Arabia, leveraging shared economic or security interests to counterbalance adversaries. A continued pro-Israel stance, building on Trump"s recognition of Jerusalem as its capital, might solidify ties with Tel Aviv but complicate relations with Arab states advocating for Palestinian rights.
The global ripple effects of MAGA could redefine America"s role as a superpower. By prioritizing bilateral deals over institutions like the United Nations, the U.S. might gain short-term leverage but risk long-term isolation, as allies turn to alternative partnerships. Domestically, the movement"s success hinges on delivering tangible economic gains without deepening divides. If MAGA sustains its appeal, it could entrench a new political orthodoxy, reshaping the Republican Party and marginalizing moderate voices. Yet, its failure to address systemic issues like healthcare or climate change could erode its legitimacy, paving the way for a counter-movement. In this author"s view, MAGA"s future lies in its ability to balance its bold promises with the realities of a diverse, interconnected world-a challenge that will test the resilience of both America and its ideals.
References
Gale, W. G., & Samwick, A. A. (2017). Effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: A preliminary analysis. Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, 2017(2), 1-45.
Kranish, M., & Fisher, M. (2016). Trump revealed: An American journey of ambition, ego, money, and power. Scribner.
Lepore, J. (2018). These truths: A history of the United States. W. W. Norton & Company.
Skowronek, S. (2020). Presidential leadership in political time: Reprise and reappraisal (3rd ed.). University Press of Kansas.
Troy, G. (2009). The Reagan revolution: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
Woodward, B. (2020). Rage. Simon & Schuster.