Conservatism in Post-MAGA America

[mystery-ak]

Conservatism in Post-MAGA America

The future of American conservatism in a post-MAGA world will not be a ‘return to normal.’ The bell cannot be un-rung.

Mark S. Malaszczyk | February 8, 2026

For nearly a decade, the American conservative movement has been synonymous with a single acronym and a singular personality.  The “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement did more than just win elections; it staged an ideological hostile takeover of the Republican Party, replacing the “three-legged stool” of Reaganism — fiscal discipline, social traditionalism, and a hawkish internationalism — with a potent blend of national populism, protectionism, and a disruptive anti-institutionalism.

As we look toward the horizon of a “post-MAGA” era, the fundamental question is not whether the movement will vanish, but what will remain in the soil once the storm of its primary catalyst has passed.  The future of American conservatism lies in the tension between two possible destinies: a return to constitutional “normality” or the permanent adoption of a “National Conservative” framework that views the state not as a threat to be limited, but as a tool to be wielded.

The most significant shift in the conservative landscape is the death of the “consensus” around free markets and limited government.  For decades, the movement was defined by the belief that the government is the problem.  Today, a new generation of conservative intellectuals — influenced by thinkers like Patrick Deneen and the “Post-Liberal” school — argues that the government must be an active participant in protecting the family and the worker from the predations of a globalized economy.

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https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/02/conservatism_in_post_maga_america.html

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

At that point the nation will be passed from the baby boomers to GenXers, Millenials, and Zoomers. The two latter generations do nothing but whine bout how boomers screwed everything up. Well they will get their chance at that moment to remake everything in their own image.

[Hoodat]

Today, a new generation of conservative intellectuals — influenced by thinkers like Patrick Deneen and the “Post-Liberal” school — argues that the government must be an active participant in protecting the family and the worker from the predations of a globalized economy.

Anyone pushing for Big Government as a mandatory participant in fixing our problems is by definition NOT a Conservative intellectual.

[Free Vulcan]

At that point the nation will be passed from the baby boomers to GenXers, Millenials, and Zoomers. The two latter generations do nothing but whine bout how boomers screwed everything up. Well they will get their chance at that moment to remake everything in their own image.

Well a good number of Boomers didn't do us any favors, but the reality is that Marx and his rantings have been chipping away at American society for nearly 200 years. Our arguably first progressive President was Wilson over 100 years ago, and of course FDR was just short of a pure socialist.

The Marxists are no less radical than they were 100 years ago, they just have way more money, better tech and social media now. In some ways past commie activists were far more ruthless. In many ways they are far more vulnerable.

Mainly for us conservatives, let's quit projecting glorious futures of endless beautiful sunsets. It's time to dig in, stand firm, and fix the problems. Our focus needs to be about the nation's survival. Flip the Rat script and appeal to the common man. The Rats are now full commie and fully elitist, and that's where the advantage lies.

[roamer_1]

This is not Conservatism, and never will be.