In the coming weeks, there are probably going to be more people with stories like this who begin to question and rethink their MAGA involvement, and who decide to leave it behind. I'd imagine that's a hard enough realisation to come to independently, even without the fear of having to face ridicule and non-acceptance by leftists and liberals once they do manage to get out. And ngl, there's plenty of moral high-horsing going on in the notes of multiple of posts after the election and most recently the inauguration, and while the anger is understandable, the "you made your bed now lie in it" attitude helps nobody. More likely, those former-MAGA-now-questioning individuals have more in common with the marginalized/poc/queer/neurodivergent/immigrant/financially struggling people in their immediate local communities who are actively threatened by this regime.
I'm seeing all these posts about building and organising community to withstand the next 4 yrs of the cheeto's presidency on my dash - and you just can't do that if you decide to punish members of your community/neighborhood/workplace/educational institution etc based on their past mistakes, and decide who's "pure" enough or who was always been anti-MAGA right from the start and thus good enough to join your silent/not-so-silent resistance efforts. Purity culture doesn't have a place in survival.
Like Rich Logis and others have mentioned, it seems that the most attractive part of MAGA was just having community to be a part of. Thus, it also seems that the way to get through the next 4 yrs would be to extend that inclusivity to these people who sought it before as well, but just in the wrong places. If you're going to make it through, it'll be because that ex-MAGA neighbour of yours howled "La Migra !!" at the top of their lungs when the ICE squad was coming around the block. They'll only do that if they feel like they're a part of your community too, that your struggles are theirs as well. You'll make it through because that ex-MAGA granny volunteered to babysit your kids while you worked 2 and maybe even 3 jobs to make ends meet.
Idk, I've just been seeing so much doom and gloom on my dash, people feeling so isolated and terrifed and angry - but there is also resistance. And you aren't alone in it. It's scattered, and seemingly welling up from the most unexpected places and people, but it's definitely there and that's a good thing, if only people on both sides are able to get over their respective prejudices and however justified anger.
So if you see a former Trump voter now wavering, questioning and uncomfortable, don't be cruel or mocking. The shit stinks for everyone. If you don't know how to (or more likely don't want to - that's valid too) reach out to them, maybe let some other ex-MAGA person speak to them in familiar language and terminology but with the direction now flipped 180°. You could direct them to this site
MISSION STATEMENT Empower others to leave MAGA and tell their stories. Foster reconciliation with their friends and family. Develop movement
MISSION STATEMENT Empower others to leave MAGA and tell their stories.
Foster reconciliation with their friends and family.
Develop movement leaders to help others leave.
"Dear MAGA Americans,
I was a devoted member of MAGA nation for seven years; it made me feel I was part of something important: a movement that was trying to save American democracy. But starting in 2021, I realized I had been mistaken. It took me a full year to finally break away. During that time, I came to understand that MAGA is sustained by a series of myths that are intended to create perpetual feelings of desperation and panic. Succumbing to these predatory myths does not mean you are unintelligent, weak, or lack good character and morals. I have a Bachelor’s degree; have been a working professional my entire life; am a family man; and consider myself a relatively honest and intelligent person. I think the same about you. I understand the reasons you have for supporting MAGA. And I know many of us traveled different paths to get there. I gravitated to Donald Trump because I have always been suspicious of our two-party system, and I saw him as the right man at the right time. I have a sense that some of you have quietly left MAGA already, or are increasingly regretful, confused and scared. All of this can be doubly upsetting, since some of your sincerely-held beliefs may have alienated you from friends and family. That certainly happened to me. It’s perfectly OK to feel this way; leaving MAGA was a tumultuous roller coaster of a process for me. It may be one of the most difficult endeavors you embark upon. In the end, it brought me an inner peace, and a newfound clarity about what is happening in our beloved country. I founded this organization, Leaving MAGA, because I wanted to create a safe, non-judgmental community for those who leave MAGA, as well as for those who are having doubts about, or remorse over, their devotion to Trump and MAGA. Our Leaving MAGA community will celebrate how acknowledging mistakes empowers you and America. It’s difficult for a democracy to function well when millions are estranged from those closest to them. You do not deserve to have your anxieties about change exploited. You deserve to know the truth. And with Leaving MAGA, you don’t have to feel you would be alone if you leave the movement. Leaving MAGA is possible. Recognizing that we were wrong, and acting on that knowledge, makes us all more invested in democracy and in the continued work of perfecting our union." - Rich Logis
One might ask, 'how do i know whether they've actually left maga behind and aren't just pretending to in order to expose me as queer etc/ harm other marginalized people I know ?' I genuinely don't know how to answer that, and it's a very important and valid doubt to have, and a good idea to be cautious. From what I've seen of Rich Logis on Bluesky, he's willing to talk individually to people who have left/are in the process of leaving - if you're not sure if someone is for real, put them in touch with him I guess, or link them to the above website.
Also, look out for and try to follow independent journalism and unbiased news. I know people have their issues with substack, but that's where a lot of actual indie journalism is happening rn, and there are plenty of great free articles available. DON'T JUST STOP AT READING HEADLINES. Read fewer articles if you must, but read and understand them in their entirety. There are a few media collaboratives started up by senior journalists who've recently quit their positions within legacy media. These are some which I've either read myself (and found pretty comprehensive) or am currently in the process of reading news on.
The Contrarian:
Democracy faces an unprecedented threat from an authoritarian movement built on lies and contempt for the rule of law. The first and most critical defense of democracy—a robust, independent free press—has been missing in action. Corporate and billionaire media owners have shied away from confrontation, engaged in false equivalence, and sought to curry favor with Donald Trump. It is hardly surprising that readers and viewers are fleeing from these outlets. Americans need an alternative.
The Contrarian is that alternative: unflinching, unapologetic, and unwavering in its commitment to truth-telling. The Contrarian contributors may not agree on all issues (and, in fact, enjoy lively debate), but we share an unequivocal determination to defend our fundamental freedoms and the values essential to a pluralistic democracy.
2) Inequality Media (founded by Robert Reich, former US Secretary of Labour and Sam Reich of Dropout TV's father). Their Linktree
3) Democracy Docket: Democracy Docket is the leading digital news platform dedicated to information, analysis and opinion about voting rights and elections in the courts. Find case filings, news updates and analysis: democracydocket.com
4) MeidasTouch Network: Bio on Bluesky reads - "The fastest growing independent news network in the world. We cover breaking news, politics, law and more. We are unapologetically pro-democracy."
5) 404 Media (more for tech): 404 Media is a journalist-founded digital media company exploring the ways technology is shaping–and is shaped by–our world.
We're focused on investigative reports, longform features, blogs, and scoops about topics including: hacking, cybersecurity, cybercrime, sex, artificial intelligence, consumer rights, surveillance, privacy, and the democratization of the internet.
I'm not USAmerican and I don't live in the country, so please feel free to add on with more relevant useful information. (This is an incomplete list of resources, and call me an optimist but I also sort of hope it remains incomplete because more people speak up and organize, thus ensuring there are always more helpful organisations to add on)
Stay safe.