Trump’s ‘Fake MAGA’ Rhetoric Reveals Cult-Like Control Over His Base

This is a lightly edited transcript of the April 20 episode of the Daily Blast podcast. Listen to it here.

Greg Sargent: This is The Daily Blast from The New Republic, produced and presented by the DSR Network. I’m your host, Greg Sargent.

Is MAGA shrinking before our very eyes? In recent days, Donald Trump has unleashed more tirades against ex-allies in the MAGA movement who’ve criticized him over the war and other issues. Trump’s own pollster added further fuel to the fire in a new interview, with both asserting that Trump’s critics no longer qualify as MAGA. In essence, they’re declaring that absolute devotion to Trump is non-negotiable—any deviation risks excommunication.

The real message is clear: MAGA is a cult. This moment encapsulates Trump’s deepening unpopularity, the fracturing of his coalition, and the uncertain future of MAGA as it continues to purge prominent voices. We’re discussing all of this with New Republic staff writer Perry Bacon Jr., who has published a new piece on the global right turning against Trump.

Perry Bacon: Good to see you, Greg. Thanks for having me.

Sargent: So Donald Trump exploded in self-pity and megalomania on Truth Social, and this time, he had something special to say. He claimed:

“I have among the best poll numbers I have ever had, and why shouldn’t I? ALL THE COUNTRY DOES IS WIN.”

Then Trump attacked MAGA critics, stating:

“I hear Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson, and Candace Owens are fading fast. Their numbers are terrible. They were FAKE MAGA, and now they’ve been exposed!”

Sargent: Perry, we’ve joked that MAGA is whatever Trump says it is, but here he’s making it official. Anyone who dares to criticize him is labeled ‘fake MAGA.’ What’s your take?

Bacon: It’s very explicit. As you said, we’ve debated whether MAGA is a movement, an ideology, or just Donald Trump himself. I’ve used the phrase in different ways, but Trump is confirming what I’ve always believed: MAGA is Donald Trump, and it will cease to exist the moment he’s no longer in the picture.

Sargent: Absolutely. By the way, on Trump’s claim that his poll numbers are as strong as ever—that’s not accurate. One set of polling averages noted in your piece shows his approval rating at 38% to 58%, a 20-point deficit. His economic approval is even worse: CNN had it at 31%, and his approval on inflation stands at 27%—extraordinarily low figures. These are the issues voters care about most. Perry, where do you see public opinion on Trump right now?

As we record this, he appears to be announcing some sort of deal with Iran. Maybe he gains a few points from it, maybe not. What’s your assessment?

Bacon: I think the question for him is whether there’s a core of