By: JP Plott
If you have spent any time on the internet over the last several weeks, you may have noticed a major split in the Conservative movement. A “MAGA” civil war, one could say. For those who have become accustomed to dramatic fighting on the internet over conspiracies, you may see this as just another example of exactly that. However, I strongly disagree. What we are witnessing is the future of the GOP being decided. Gen-Z conservatives are watching and picking a side.
Which side is that, exactly? First, we must assess the two sides. On one side, you have the likes of Mark Levin, Ben Shapiro, Ted Cruz, and Laura Loomer. This side strongly supported the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities this summer, the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein files, and the continuation of U.S. foreign aid abroad. In particular, they strongly support Israel’s war in Gaza and America’s continuing support for Israel. This side has also developed a habit of calling those who disagree anti-Semitic.
On the other side, you have Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Nick Fuentes. Fuentes, in particular, has gained massive traction amongst Gen-Z conservatives this year, and his interview on Tucker Carlson’s podcast kicked this MAGA civil war into high gear. This side believes in an “America first” approach to policy. They think both foreign and domestic policy should be based on what’s best for Americans, and Americans only. They are very critical of America’s relationship with Israel and believe our officials aren’t thinking enough about America and Americans.
Despite “trolling” from Trump, he cannot run for another term as president. This will leave the GOP Trump-less for the first time since 2015. Who will take charge of the party moving forward? What will they run on? Gen-Z’s approval of Trump has dropped from 58% in January of this year to 38% this past week. Primarily driving this has been the handling of the Epstein files, continued support of Israel’s war in Gaza, and the lack of urgency when it comes to addressing the lack of home affordability. Calling the Epstein files a hoax, shaming everyone critical of foreign aid to Israel as an anti-Semite, and proposing 50-year mortgages to make homes more affordable for young people were all drastic missteps.
If the GOP wants to keep Gen-Z support, some serious changes need to happen immediately. We, Gen-Z conservatives, want three things. First, we want mass deportations to open more jobs and make homes affordable again. Second, we want transparency against corruption, such as releasing the Epstein files. And third, but most importantly, we want our elected officials to put America first. This does not make us isolationists or hateful people. All we ask is that, when it comes to foreign aid and global intervention, it be done solely to further American interests. It does not appear that Trump understands this. Disavowing Marjorie Taylor Greene while playing golf with Lindsey Graham is a slap in the face of young conservatives. All this does is appease the current GOP swamp, while alienating your young supporters.
The Democrats will seize the opportunity to win over Gen-Z with socialism, as we saw in New York City with the election of Zohran Mamdani. When the Right is not united, it makes the Left’s job extremely easy. The mandate that was handed to Republicans with the 2024 election was massive. The only ones that could beat the Republican Party after that were…Republicans. The GOP has made a habit of snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory, and this could be yet another example. With the midterms right around the corner, the time to act is now. The GOP would be wise to pay attention to the desires of the Gen-Z Right. Will they continue to appease the quickly fading Republicans of old? Or, will they listen to the passionate desires of the GOP’s future? This decision must be made quickly. The party’s future depends on it.
By: JP Plott
