MAGA Debate Topics Checklist
- [ ] Border Security & Immigration (wall construction, ICE/CBP funding, asylum restrictions)
- [ ] Tariffs, Trade Policy & Cost of Goods (China, Mexico, Canada, inflation, supply chains)
- [ ] Election Integrity & Voter Fraud (mail-in ballots, voting machines, audits, 2020/2024 claims)
- [ ] Government Spending & National Debt (deficit, entitlement reform, tax cuts)
- [ ] Inflation & Economy (energy independence, deregulation, manufacturing jobs)
- [ ] Abortion & National Ban (Project 2025, Comstock Act, Roe v. Wade reversal)
- [ ] Opposition to DEI & “Woke” Policies (federal DEI bans, affirmative action, school curricula)
- [ ] Media Bias & Censorship (mainstream media, social media bans, Section 230)
- [ ] Religious Values & Christian Nationalism (prayer in schools, religious displays, faith-based policy)
- [ ] Gender, Education & Transgender Rights (gender-affirming care, sports bans, school policy)
- [ ] Law & Order, Protests & Insurrection Act (policing, National Guard, protest restrictions)
- [ ] Pro-Family Policies & Traditional Values (parental rights, marriage, nuclear family)
- [ ] The Great Replacement Theory (demographic change, immigration, conspiracy claims)
- [ ] Keystone XL Pipeline & Energy Policy (pipeline closure, fuel prices, energy independence)
- [ ] Hunter Biden’s Laptop Controversy (media coverage, authenticity, censorship)
- [ ] Epstein, Maxwell, and Trump Connections (flight logs, black book, legal cases)
Election Integrity & Voter Fraud
Election integrity and voter fraud are frequent MAGA talking points, especially regarding mail-in ballots, voting machines, audits, and claims about the 2020 and 2024 elections. Supporters often allege widespread fraud and demand audits, while critics point to a lack of evidence and numerous court rulings upholding election results. These claims continue to shape debates about voting laws and election security.
Sources:
- Brennan Center: The Myth of Voter Fraud
- Reuters: Fact Check on 2020 Election Fraud Claims
- NPR: Election Security and Audits
Hunter Biden’s Laptop Controversy
In October 2020, a laptop allegedly belonging to Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, became the center of a major political controversy. The laptop reportedly contained emails, personal photos, and business documents. The story was first published by the New York Post and led to debates over media coverage, tech company censorship, and the authenticity of the materials. Some media outlets and independent analysts have since verified portions of the laptop’s contents, while others have raised questions about the chain of custody and potential disinformation.
Where to see content from the laptop:
- Washington Examiner: Hunter Biden laptop contents explained
- Daily Mail: Hunter Biden’s laptop contents explained
Deep Research: Epstein, Maxwell, and Trump Connections
Jeffrey Epstein was a financier and convicted sex offender with a vast network of powerful associates, including politicians, business leaders, and celebrities. Ghislaine Maxwell, a British socialite, was his close confidante and was convicted in 2021 for her role in Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. Both cases have generated intense scrutiny due to the involvement of high-profile individuals, including former President Donald Trump.
Trump and Epstein
Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were known to have socialized in the 1990s and early 2000s. Trump has acknowledged knowing Epstein, describing him in 2002 as a “terrific guy” before later distancing himself. Flight logs from Epstein’s private jet, known as the “Lolita Express,” have been made public and show a range of prominent names, though Trump is not listed as a passenger on the main logs. However, Trump did visit Epstein’s properties, including Mar-a-Lago, and Epstein was a guest at Trump events. Trump has denied any involvement in Epstein’s crimes.
Flight Logs and Little Black Book
- The flight logs for Epstein’s private jet were released as part of court proceedings and are available through multiple sources. These logs list passengers and destinations, and have been used to investigate connections between Epstein, Maxwell, and their associates.
- Epstein’s “little black book”—an address book containing contact information for hundreds of people—was leaked and published by Gawker in 2015. The unredacted version includes names, phone numbers, and addresses of many high-profile individuals, including Trump.
Links to Primary Sources:
- Epstein Flight Logs (CourtListener)
- Epstein Flight Logs (Insider)
- Unredacted Black Book (Internet Archive)
- FBI Records: Epstein
Further Reading:
- Miami Herald: Perversion of Justice
- BBC: Ghislaine Maxwell trial
- Reuters: Maxwell convicted of sex trafficking
- Court Listener: Epstein court documents
How Congress Passes a Bill and Signs It Into Law
Many people are confused about how laws are made in the United States. Here is a simple summary of the process:
- Introduction: A bill (a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law) is introduced by a member of Congress (either the House or Senate).
- Committee Review: The bill is assigned to a committee, where members research, discuss, and may make changes. The committee can approve, amend, or reject the bill.
- Chamber Vote: If approved by the committee, the bill goes to the full chamber (House or Senate) for a vote. If it passes, it moves to the other chamber, where the process repeats.
- Resolving Differences: If both chambers pass different versions, they must reconcile them and vote again on the final version.
- Presidential Action: The final bill is sent to the President, who can sign it into law or veto it. If vetoed, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
- Law: Once signed (or if a veto is overridden), the bill becomes law.
This process ensures that laws are carefully considered and debated before being enacted.
October 2025 Talking Point: Trump Claims About FBI Agents on Jan 6
On November 11th, 2025, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social claiming that the “Biden FBI” placed 274 agents into the crowd on January 6, 2021. However, this claim is misleading:
- Joe Biden was not president on January 6, 2021; he took office on January 20, 2021.
- The FBI at that time was led by Christopher Wray, a Trump appointee, and operated under the Trump administration.
- The claim that 274 FBI agents were placed in the crowd is part of a revived conspiracy theory, but there is no evidence that federal agents incited the attack.
This talking point is often repeated by Trump supporters, but it overlooks the fact that the FBI was under Trump’s control during the Capitol riot.
Cost of Goods, Tariffs, and MAGA Misunderstandings
Support for tariffs is a recurring MAGA talking point, with many Trump supporters advocating for tariffs on foreign goods as a way to protect American jobs and punish countries like China. However, there is widespread misunderstanding about how tariffs actually work. Tariffs are taxes on imports, and the cost is typically passed on to American consumers and businesses in the form of higher prices. Multiple studies and economic analyses have shown that tariffs can increase the cost of goods, disrupt supply chains, and lead to retaliatory measures from other countries. Despite these effects, MAGA rhetoric often frames tariffs as a cost-free way to boost the U.S. economy and punish foreign competitors. Critics argue that this misunderstanding leads to policies that ultimately hurt American consumers and manufacturers.
Sources:
- Brookings: Who Pays for Tariffs?
- Peterson Institute: The Impact of Tariffs
- CNBC: Trump Tariffs and Consumer Prices
The Great Replacement Theory
The Great Replacement Theory is a controversial and conspiratorial idea that has gained traction among some MAGA supporters and right-wing commentators. The theory claims that there is a deliberate effort by elites or the government to replace the white population in Western countries, including the United States, with immigrants and minorities. While mainstream conservatives and most Republican leaders do not openly endorse this theory, it is frequently referenced in online MAGA circles, especially in debates about immigration, demographic change, and national identity. Critics warn that the theory is rooted in white nationalist ideology and has inspired acts of violence and hate crimes. Fact-checkers and researchers have repeatedly debunked the idea as baseless and dangerous, but it remains a persistent talking point in some segments of the MAGA movement.
Sources:
- ADL: The Great Replacement Theory
- NPR: What is the Great Replacement Theory?
- Southern Poverty Law Center
MAGA Talking Points in 2025
Across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and most major social platforms, MAGA supporters consistently deploy a familiar set of talking points in nearly every political debate. These arguments often appear in rapid succession, as if following a checklist, regardless of the specific topic at hand. This coordinated messaging strategy amplifies the movement’s core themes, shapes online discourse, and ensures that MAGA-aligned narratives remain prominent in trending discussions. The following sections break down the most common talking points, providing context, analysis, and sources for each.
MAGA’s Favorite List
Kamala Harris and Presidential Qualifications
Another frequent MAGA talking point in 2025 is the claim that Kamala Harris was not qualified to run for president after Joe Biden stepped down. This argument often circulates on social media, with some Trump supporters asserting that Harris was not properly vetted or that her ascension is illegitimate. However, this reflects a misunderstanding of how presidential tickets and succession work in the United States. When Americans vote in a presidential election, they are voting for a ticket—president and vice president together. Biden and Harris were also registered together as a ticket on official FEC paperwork. If the president resigns, is removed, or is otherwise unable to serve, the vice president automatically becomes president, as established by the 25th Amendment and longstanding constitutional practice. Harris, as vice president, was vetted and elected as part of the ticket in 2020, making her fully qualified to assume the presidency.
Sources:
- National Constitution Center
- USA.gov: Presidential Succession
- NPR: How Presidential Succession Works
- FEC: 2020 Biden-Harris Statement of Candidacy
Keystone XL Pipeline Closure
The closure of the Keystone XL pipeline remains a major grievance among Trump supporters and a frequent MAGA talking point. The pipeline, intended to transport crude oil from Canada to U.S. refineries, was canceled by executive order in January 2021. There was no Supreme Court order that closed the pipeline. Instead, President Biden revoked the pipeline’s cross-border permit via executive order on his first day in office. While there was a Supreme Court case in 2020 that temporarily affected a construction permit (Nationwide Permit 12), the Court did not issue an order to close or permanently block the pipeline. Supporters argue that the closure cost thousands of American jobs, undermined energy independence, and increased reliance on foreign oil. They cite rising fuel prices and economic losses in affected states as evidence of the policy’s harm. Critics of the pipeline closure also claim it weakened U.S.-Canada relations and sent negative signals to the energy sector. Opponents, however, point to environmental risks, Indigenous land rights, and the need to transition to renewable energy. The debate over Keystone XL continues to symbolize broader disputes over energy policy, climate change, and the role of fossil fuels in the U.S. economy.
Sources:
Border Security & Immigration
Border security and immigration remain central to the MAGA movement. Trump supporters overwhelmingly back strict border enforcement, increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the construction and maintenance of a border wall. The 2025 H.R. 1 bill allocated over $170 billion for border and immigration enforcement, including $51.6 billion for wall construction and CBP facilities, $45 billion for detention capacity, and $29.9 billion for enforcement and removal operations. State-level efforts, such as Texas’s Operation Lone Star, have received federal reimbursement, and new mandatory fees and stricter asylum requirements have been implemented. Critics argue these policies risk humanitarian harm, but supporters see them as essential for national security and sovereignty.
Sources:
Government Spending & National Debt
Fiscal conservatism is a core MAGA value. Trump supporters frequently cite the dangers of the growing national debt, which reached $36.9 trillion in July 2025. Despite campaign promises to cut spending, recent legislation has increased the deficit, with the Congressional Budget Office projecting an additional $4 trillion in debt over the next decade. Supporters argue that economic growth and tax cuts will offset these increases, while critics warn of higher interest rates, reduced public investment, and long-term economic risks. The debate over spending and debt is closely tied to concerns about inflation and the future of entitlement programs.
Sources:
Inflation & Economy
The economy and inflation are top priorities for Trump supporters. Many blame previous Democratic administrations for rising prices and support Trump’s promises to lower inflation through energy independence, deregulation, and tariffs on imports. However, economists note that tariffs can increase consumer prices, and recent data shows inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Trump’s economic policies, including higher tariffs and mass deportations, have created both optimism and concern among voters. While some believe these measures will restore American manufacturing and jobs, others worry about recession risks and higher costs for consumers.
Sources:
Abortion & National Ban
Abortion is a defining issue for the MAGA base. Project 2025 and related policy blueprints call for a national abortion ban, strict enforcement of the Comstock Act to block abortion pills, and the reversal of federal protections for reproductive rights. Trump-aligned think tanks advocate using executive power to restrict abortion access, even in states where it remains legal. Supporters celebrate the overturning of Roe v. Wade as a major victory, while critics warn of threats to women’s health and autonomy. The debate is highly polarized, with ongoing legal and legislative battles at both state and federal levels.
Sources:
Opposition to DEI Programs
Trump supporters and Project 2025 architects have made opposition to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs a central plank. Executive orders and legislative proposals aim to eliminate DEI initiatives in federal agencies, schools, and corporations, arguing that such programs constitute “reverse discrimination” and undermine meritocracy. While polling shows most Americans support some form of DEI training, MAGA-aligned voters and politicians see these efforts as divisive and contrary to traditional American values. The movement to dismantle DEI is closely linked to broader opposition to affirmative action and “woke” policies.
Sources:
Media Bias & Censorship
Claims of media bias and censorship are widespread among Trump supporters. Many believe that mainstream and social media platforms unfairly target conservative voices, citing content moderation, fact-checking, and account bans as evidence. While academic research finds little systemic bias against conservatives, the perception of censorship remains strong, fueling distrust in institutions and the rise of alternative platforms. Trump and his allies have made “free speech” a rallying cry, calling for reforms to Section 230 and greater regulation of tech companies.
Sources:
Religious Values & Christian Nationalism
The infusion of religious values, particularly Christian nationalism, is a key theme in MAGA circles. Project 2025 and related efforts seek to promote prayer in schools, religious displays in public spaces, and policies aligned with conservative Christian beliefs. Critics warn that these efforts threaten the separation of church and state and the rights of minorities, women, and LGBTQ+ people. Trump’s base includes many who see America as a fundamentally Christian nation and support policies that reflect this worldview.
Sources:
Gender, Education & Transgender Rights
MAGA talking points include strong opposition to gender-affirming care for minors, teaching about gender identity in schools, and policies supporting transgender rights. Executive orders and state laws have restricted access to gender-affirming healthcare, banned participation of transgender youth in sports, and censored school curricula. Supporters argue these measures protect children and parental rights, while critics cite harm to transgender youth and increased mental health risks. The debate is ongoing in courts and legislatures nationwide.
Sources:
Law & Order, Protests & Insurrection Act
Law and order is a persistent theme, with Trump supporters backing strict policing, use of the National Guard, and even the Insurrection Act to quell protests. The right to protest is seen as fundamental, but MAGA rhetoric often frames demonstrations as threats to public safety or national security. Trump’s administration has threatened to deploy federal troops to cities experiencing unrest, raising concerns about civil liberties and executive overreach. The debate continues over the appropriate balance between security and constitutional rights.
Sources:
Pro-Family Policies & Traditional Values
Pro-family rhetoric is central to the MAGA movement, emphasizing traditional marriage, parental rights, and opposition to policies seen as undermining the nuclear family. Executive orders and legislative proposals have promoted “pro-family” initiatives, often aligned with conservative Christian values. Critics argue that these policies can exclude or harm non-traditional families, working mothers, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The debate over family policy reflects broader cultural and political divides in the U.S.
Sources:
The Border Wall
The border wall is one of the most iconic and polarizing symbols of the MAGA movement. Trump supporters view the wall as a necessary measure to secure the southern border, prevent illegal immigration, and combat drug and human trafficking. Construction of the wall began during Trump’s first term, with over 450 miles built or reinforced by January 2021. The Biden administration halted new construction, but the issue returned to the forefront in 2025 as border crossings surged and Congress allocated new funding for wall expansion and repairs. MAGA advocates argue that the wall is essential for national security and sovereignty, citing reductions in illegal crossings in certain sectors and the wall’s deterrent effect. Critics, however, point to high costs, environmental damage, and evidence that most illicit drugs enter through legal ports of entry. The border wall remains a powerful rallying cry and a central feature of Trump-aligned policy platforms.
Sources:
References
- Project 2025 – Wikipedia
- Brookings: Project 2025 and Conservative Policy
- Navigator Research: Project 2025 Polling
- Center Forward: 2025 Voter Research Journals
- NPR
- American Immigration Council
- U.S. Treasury Fiscal Data
- Pew Research
- ABC News
- IAI
- Reuters
- American Progress
- The Guardian
- ACLU
- Vox
- Social Workers
- The Guardian
- LSE USAPP
- USA Today
- NYU Stern BHR
- PRRI
- Americans United
- CNN
- HRW
- ACLU
- PBS
- The New Yorker
- Family Policy Alliance
- The Atlantic
FBI Agents at January 6th and Presidential Timeline Confusion
In November 2025, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social claiming that the “Biden FBI” placed 274 agents into the crowd on January 6, 2021. This talking point has circulated widely among MAGA supporters, but it contains a significant factual error: Joe Biden was not president at the time of the January 6th attack—the sitting president was Donald Trump. Therefore, the FBI was under the Trump administration, led by Trump-appointed Director Christopher Wray.
Fact-checks and official reports clarify that the FBI deployed several hundred agents to assist with crowd control at the request of U.S. Capitol Police, but there is no evidence that these agents were undercover or embedded in the protest crowds prior to the attack. The claim that the “Biden FBI” orchestrated agent placement is inaccurate and misrepresents the timeline of presidential authority.
Sources: