Ten years ago, on an otherwise ordinary day, Donald Trump took a golden descent down an escalator at Trump Tower, signaling the unexpected birth of a political movement that has since left a mark on the American landscape. The MAGA movement wasn’t just about red hats and rallies; it was about shaking things up and making political elites squirm in their comfortable seats. This was a movement that the left didn’t see coming, and truth be told, they’ve spent the last decade wrestling to understand it – a task at which they’ve failed quite spectacularly.
While the left has been busy with protests and denouncements, perhaps they should have focused more on why Trump’s message resonated with millions. Instead of understanding what the movement was all about, they have spent their energies away in what amounts to tantrums of epic proportion, whining about everything from Supreme Court decisions to presidential speeches. This past weekend reminded us of just how disconnected they are from the reality millions of Americans live and breathe. While angry mobs march and shout, accusing the government of one wrongdoing or another, Trump was honoring the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday with a parade in D.C. This juxtaposition couldn’t be more telling.
Of course, any sign of military pride seems to be a red flag for the left, who cannot help but liken it to authoritarian regimes reminiscent of North Korea and Russia. One might argue, with a smirk, that these folks see a dictator where the rest of us see a leader who just doesn’t bow down to anyone. Meanwhile, the legacy media persists in painting a picture of Trump rallies as dark and tense, missing entirely the energy and patriotism that fuels these gatherings. It’s almost commendable how determined they are to see ghosts where there are none.
But what about the Trump Doctrine, which has been ridiculed and ignored? The man himself has been quite clear: America First. A concept so simple yet profound that it ties the left into knots. Prioritize the country, its security, and its citizens above all. Try as they might to paint Trump as a warmonger, he’s been consistent in striving for peace while ensuring the military remains strong. One might think that a President expressing a desire to avoid war would be something universally applauded, but alas, nuance is not the left’s strong suit.
Perhaps the left should have taken a moment to reflect on the last decade since that infamous escalator ride. Instead of fixating on a demise that never came and prophesying doom at every turn, maybe they should have pondered why the movement not only survived but thrived. The Trump era didn’t just disrupt politics; it redefined it. And while detractors scribble down their criticisms, this movement continues to march forward, much like its founder, promising to keep shaking things up and leaving naysayers in its wake. Who knew an escalator ride could change the world?
