As Washington D.C. grappled with a potential government shutdown, a different kind of gathering took place in Phoenix: AmericaFest 2024. This wasn’t your typical political conference; it was a celebration of division, a place where Donald Trump’s most fervent followers cheered the splintering of the Republican Party. Forget unity; the new right is all about hyper-partisanship. Here’s a breakdown of what went down:
- Trump’s Triumph: Supporters celebrated Trump and Elon Musk for disrupting a bipartisan agreement to avoid a shutdown, even though their efforts ultimately failed.
- Bipartisanship is the Enemy: Steve Bannon declared bipartisanship a ‘malignant cancer,’ calling for hyper-partisanship and the ousting of Speaker Mike Johnson.
- Diverse Demands: Beyond Trump’s persona, the new right is united by anti-establishment views, conservative social values, and fervent patriotism. Specific policy desires, however, vary.
- A Revolutionary Moment?: Speakers hailed the movement as revolutionary, comparing it to FDR’s realignment of the Democratic Party, with Trump at the helm.
A Party Divided: Celebrating Chaos
While most of America watched the government teeter on the brink of a shutdown, attendees at AmericaFest were celebrating the disruption. Trump, often described as a disruptive force himself, was praised for his role in shaking up the system. Figures like Steve Bannon didn’t shy away from calling for the removal of Speaker Johnson, demonstrating that the desire for division was more important than any sense of party loyalty. This event wasn’t just a rally; it felt like a declaration of war on traditional politics.
The New Right: More Than Just Trump
It’s easy to assume that Trump is the sole driver of this movement, but the truth is more nuanced. Beyond the adoration for the former president, a closer look reveals a mix of anti-establishment anger, staunch conservatism on social issues, and a strong dose of patriotism. It’s not a unified front on policy; rather it’s a collection of people who agree on the need for change, even if they don’t agree on what that change should look like. Some want tariffs, others want to ‘keep women out of men’s sports’, and some simply want America to be ‘great again’. It’s a melting pot of grievances and desires.
Key Policy Points of the New Right
While a common thread of ‘Make America Great Again’ runs through the movement, many attendees had specific policy priorities:
- Economic Nationalism: Tariffs on foreign imports and boosting domestic energy production are popular ideas.
- Immigration Hardliners: Calls for mass deportation programs are commonplace among Trump supporters.
- Social Conservatism: Many are keen to curtail ‘transgender rights’ and bring religion back into the mainstream.
- Skepticism of International Affairs: There’s a growing sentiment to rethink US involvement in global issues.
The ‘Revolutionary Movement’
Steve Bannon compared Trump’s movement to FDR’s rise in the 1930s, framing it as a complete realignment of the political landscape. According to Bannon and others, this isn’t just about electing a president; it’s about fundamentally changing the rules of the game. There’s a feeling that the old guard needs to be swept away, replaced by a more populist, nationalistic vision. The attendees at AmericaFest were ready to be the ‘vanguard’ of this change.
Trump’s Vision: Fuzzy but Popular
During his 75-minute speech, Trump stuck to his usual talking points and promises. He did not acknowledge the recent failures on Capitol Hill, nor did he provide any real details about his plans for the future. Instead, he focused on promising a ‘golden age’ for America. This lack of specificity doesn’t seem to bother his supporters; for them, it’s more about the feeling of change than the practicalities.
Reconciling Contradictions
While the message is often about unity, there are many contradictions within Trump’s coalition. Some are more focused on fiscal conservatism, while others champion social conservatism. Even speakers like Ben Shapiro acknowledged the complexities, discussing things like the potential inflation caused by tariffs. There’s a feeling that as long as everyone agrees on the ‘big stuff’, the details can be worked out later.
The Future of the GOP?
AmericaFest painted a picture of a Republican Party in flux. The traditional GOP seems to be fracturing under the weight of Trump’s populist base. This isn’t just about a single election; this could signal a permanent shift in American politics. Whether this is truly a ‘revolutionary moment’ or simply another political chapter remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the new right is not afraid of chaos, and they are determined to reshape the political landscape, one issue at a time.
