THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent Trump Press Sec Goes Full Cult in Odd Rants as Polls Take Brutal Turn
4 snips
Mar 9, 2026 
Amanda Marcotte, political journalist skilled at decoding right-wing politics. She dissects Caroline Leavitt's cultlike praise of Trump and what that signals about MAGA dynamics. Short takes explore claims about Iran surrender, shrinking war support, the party’s reliance on personal loyalty, and the political risks as Trump's standing falters.
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Press Secretary Lets Trump Define Reality
- Caroline Levitt framed Trump's declaration of "unconditional surrender" as meaning victory occurs when Trump says it has occurred.
- Amanda Marcotte compares this to Bush's "mission accomplished" moment and warns verbal declarations don't stop fighting or change battlefield realities.
MAGA Is Defined By Trump Not Principles
- Levitt asserted "President Trump is the leader of MAGA" and reframed MAGA's anti-interventionism as compatible with striking Iran.
- Amanda Marcotte sees this as an attempt to erase genuine MAGA dissent by declaring the movement coterminous with whatever Trump decides.
Cultish Praise Signals Political Desperation
- Marcotte argues Levitt's extreme praise is motivated by political desperation as Trump's support erodes and his health declines.
- She says MAGA figures are scrambling to define the movement's future because they anticipate a post-Trump era.