Is deep Maga against the annexation of Gaza?

 

Is deep Maga against the annexation of Gaza?

The "Deep MAGA" movement—referring to the most ideologically committed segment of the MAGA base and its influential media figures—is currently deeply divided over the war in Gaza and its possible annexation. While some still advocate for total Israeli control, an influential and growing faction now opposes further involvement or annexation based on "America First" isolationism.

 

Factions Within the MAGA Movement

The Isolationist/"America First" Faction: Figures like Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and Steve Bannon have increasingly criticized unconditional support for Israel. They argue that:

U.S. taxpayers should not fund foreign wars.

Israel is a "foreign state" that may be manipulating the U.S. into "forever wars" in the Middle East.

Annexation or continued conflict risks dragging the U.S. into a larger confrontation with Iran, which they strongly oppose.

The "Support at All Costs" Faction: Prominent figures like Ben Shapiro, Mark Levin, and Laura Loomer remain steadfastly pro-Israel, viewing the conflict through the lens of a "civilizational struggle". They generally support Israel's right to maintain security control over Gaza.

Dissenting Elected Officials: Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has notably diverged from the party line, being the first Republican in Congress to label the situation in Gaza a "genocide" and stating she does not want to pay for a "foreign war".

 

Shifts in Public Opinion

Generational Divide: A significant shift is occurring among younger MAGA supporters. Recent polling shows nearly half of Republican voters under 40 have negative views of Israel's actions.

Steve Bannon's Assessment: Bannon has noted that Netanyahu's attempts to prolong the conflict are alienating both younger and some older "diehard" MAGA supporters who are wary of Middle Eastern entanglements.

 

Trump's Stance

While the MAGA base is splintering, President Trump has maintained a more ambiguous but generally pro-Israel posture. However, he has also:

Expressed frustration with Netanyahu's handling of the war.

Publicly stated that he does not support the annexation of the West Bank, suggesting a similar skepticism toward large-scale land grabs in Gaza that could destabilize the region.

Proposed a "Gaza Takeover Plan" that focuses more on U.S.-led reconstruction and security rather than formal Israeli annexation.