System Update with Glenn Greenwald Trump DECLARES that Neocon Mark Levin Is Above All Criticism
Mar 16, 2026
A deep dive into the conservative infighting over Israel and the reshaping of MAGA loyalty. Discussion of Trump's surprising defense of Mark Levin and his pivot from anti-neocon rhetoric to embracing warmongers. Exploration of political fundraising pressures and rising U.S. casualties tied to actions in Iran. A critique of loyalty being tied to personal allegiance rather than principle.
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MAGA Recast As Loyalty To Trump And Pro Israel Hawks
- Donald Trump publicly redefined MAGA as loyalty to him and his chosen hawkish figures rather than a fixed policy set.
- Glenn Greenwald shows Trump declared Mark Levin untouchable and expelled critics like Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly for questioning Israel or the Iran war.
MAGA Shifted From America First Principles To A Cult Of Personality
- Greenwald argues Trump turned MAGA into a cult of personality where MAGA means whatever Trump says that day.
- He contrasts past America First rhetoric (antiwar, populist) with Trump now endorsing neocons like Ben Shapiro and Lindsey Graham.
Trump Started A War Of Choice To Shield Israel
- Greenwald recounts Trump ordering the Iran attack as a war of choice to protect Israel, not because Iran threatened the U.S.
- He highlights that Trump sent American troops (not his family) into harm's way and then tweeted about pundit disputes during the conflict.