Historians will someday look back and debate the moment when MAGA’s unstoppable momentum began to falter.
The movement founded by Donald Trump, like all revolutionary political forces, may eventually reach the end of its rollercoaster journey.
Exactly when that happens is anyone’s guess—but recent events suggest the cracks are already visible.
Polling Declines and Fractured Support
Less than a year into Trump’s second term, his approval ratings are hitting new lows.
According to Gallup, only 36 percent of Americans currently approve of his performance, while 60 percent disapprove.
That -24-point margin is historically poor for a second-term president, second only to Richard Nixon during Watergate.
Even among voters who supported him in 2024, support is slipping, particularly among young people and minority communities.
The Economy’s Heavy Toll
Pollsters point to the economy as the main culprit.
A series of sweeping global tariffs announced in April triggered a sharp decline in public approval.
Young men, historically pragmatic voters, are questioning whether Trump’s policies have made it easier to provide for themselves and their families—and for many, the answer is no.
Concerns over housing, healthcare, groceries, and fuel are driving discontent across the country.
Friction Within the MAGA Base
Even key allies are voicing unease
. Marjorie Taylor Greene has accused Trump of drifting away from the America First base, while conservative influencers are increasingly critical.
With midterm elections approaching, the risk of Trump-aligned candidates facing tough battles is growing, and MAGA figures recognize that the movement cannot rely solely on Trump’s persona indefinitely.
The Challenge of a Post-Trump Era
A critical question looms: can MAGA survive and thrive without Trump at the helm?
Analysts note that much of the movement’s appeal has been tied to Trump himself—his personality, his energy, and the way he captures attention.
Translating that influence to a new leader is no small task, and the movement’s long-term survival will depend on cultivating new figures who can resonate with voters in similar ways.
Efforts to Build a Long-Term Infrastructure
Behind the scenes, MAGA-linked organizations are preparing for the future.
The America First Policy Institute is ramping up its policy work and talent development, aiming to shape political discourse well beyond 2028.
Meanwhile, the Rockbridge Network, co-founded by J.D. Vance and joined by figures like Peter Thiel and Rebekah Mercer, is quietly building influence at the intersection of politics, Silicon Valley, and Wall Street.
Financial and Strategic Power
Rockbridge operates with a selective membership and significant resources, supporting super PACs, media outlets, and voter mobilization efforts.
In 2024, its super PAC spent $34.5 million, and it now oversees multiple initiatives designed to extend MAGA’s reach, from anti-woke investment firms to faith-based voter engagement.
These efforts position the network to be a formidable tool for shaping Republican politics in the years to come.
The Road Ahead for MAGA
While Trump’s approval ratings and economic pressures pose immediate challenges, the movement’s leaders are planning for the long game.
From policy institutes to powerful donor networks, MAGA is quietly building a structure that could ensure its influence lasts well beyond Trump’s presidency.
How successful they will be remains to be seen—but the next decade promises to be pivotal for the movement and for American politics as a whole.
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