#41 Far-right alliances: Trump's Project 2025, the MAGA movement and the power of Musk and Thiel behind the rise of authoritarianism

Networks of the far right in the United States

In recent years, the far-right movement in the United States has gained significant influence. It consists of a variety of groups and individuals who oppose government influence and often hold extreme views. Important networks such as the Ziklag Group, which comes from Christian nationalist circles, are deliberately working towards political power. The so-called “Seven Mountains Theory” of this movement propagates control over seven central areas of society, including government and education, to establish a supposedly divine order.

Militant groups such as the Proud Boys or the Oath Keepers also support Trump. Many of their members believe in conspiracy theories, which gained traction after the 2020 election. They see themselves as defenders of America against perceived threats from leftists and international influences. Many of these groups are well connected and have financial resources that they use for their political activism.

A possible re-election of Donald Trump

If Trump is re-elected in the upcoming elections on November 5, 2024, this could have far-reaching consequences. Trump still enjoys the support of ultra-right and Christian nationalist groups, who would feel strengthened by his return. These groups could expand their positions, leading to an increase in political violence and a heightened fight against Democrats and other political opponents. Such developments could also be felt internationally, as the influence of American far-right ideologies is already being felt globally.

Shadowy figures and conspiracy theories

Behind Trump's campaign are many influential figures who spread conspiratorial ideas. Well-known figures such as Christian preacher Lance Wallnau see Trump as part of a spiritual war and promote the idea that the US is threatened by “demonic forces”. Such ideas have found resonance in QAnon circles and are actively supported by prominent Trump supporters.

The influence of capital on the upcoming presidency

Financial support plays a crucial role in the movement. Groups like Ziklag invest millions in election campaigns and “election integrity” initiatives to support Trump and other Republican candidates. Capital flows enable these groups to expand their networks and push through their agendas. They also use sophisticated techniques such as data analysis tools to influence voters and mobilize their bases.

Trump's “Project 2025”, the MAGA movement and their financiers

Project 2025 and the MAGA movement

Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan developed by the Heritage Foundation for Donald Trump's possible second term in office. It outlines how the MAGA movement could drastically reshape the US government. The plan aims to weaken the “Administrative State” and fire over 500,000 federal employees, thus bringing the administration fully under the control of the president. These plans, which are also supported by MAGA Super PACs, aim to restore conservative principles by placing independent authorities under the direction of the White House, reforming the media and rolling back progressive influences. The influence on the media landscape is particularly striking, as Project 2025 proposes a drastic reduction in public broadcasting and the removal of its privileged status to strengthen conservative voices.

The influence of personalities like Elon Musk, Peter Thiel and Curtis Yarvin

Trump receives support from prominent personalities like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel. Thiel is known for his support of JD Vance and the latter's radical plans to “purge” and completely restructure the administrative apparatus. Curtis Yarvin, who is considered an intellectual leader in right-wing circles, promotes ideas of an authoritarian system that replaces democracy with a kind of “patchwork” of governments. Thiel and Yarvin are important influencers who have a technocratic and authoritarian vision for the U.S. that contradicts the ideal of a free, democratic society.

Musk has also supported Trump in the past, and his positions on free speech and deregulation align with those of Project 2025. The close ties between these tech titans and Trump and their willingness to provide significant financial resources demonstrate the influence of capital on Trump's presidency. The combination of technological influence and political power could usher in a new era of authoritarianism in the US and pose a massive threat to democratic structures.

Uncertain times ahead

Trump and his supporters in the MAGA movement are determined to fundamentally transform the US. If Trump is re-elected on November 5, 2024, Project 2025 could usher in a radical turn for American society, with far-reaching implications for democracy and international stability. The involvement of powerful financiers such as Musk and Thiel highlights the potential danger posed by the all-too-close intertwining of capital and politics, especially in an authoritarian agenda.

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