Remember when ‘believe women’ was the rallying cry? Our latest article dives into the perplexing shift in progressive values, from the #MeToo movement’s principles to recent stances on immigration and even domestic violence. It seems political opposition to Donald Trump is powerful enough to scramble long-held beliefs. What does this tell us about the true nature of political conviction today?

The contemporary political landscape is frequently characterized by a striking paradox: the apparent abandonment of deeply held progressive values when their adherence might inadvertently align with the actions or proposals of Donald Trump. This phenomenon has led to a significant re-evaluation of the consistency and motivations behind certain political stances, revealing a dynamic where opposition to one figure seemingly supersedes established ideological commitments.

Just a few years prior, the #MeToo movement emerged as a powerful force, galvanizing millions under the banner of protecting women and holding perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse accountable. Its core tenet was the unwavering belief in victims’ accounts, fostering an environment where addressing violence against women became a paramount social concern and a cornerstone of progressive activism.

However, recent events have cast a stark light on this commitment, particularly concerning individuals like Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a known gang member with a record of domestic violence. When Donald Trump sought to deport Garcia as part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigrants and those with criminal histories, the response from some progressive circles proved unexpectedly controversial.

Despite the #MeToo movement’s foundational principles, a segment of the left rallied to Garcia’s defense, advocating for his freedom. This stance starkly contrasts with the “believe women” mantra, suggesting that the primary driver became opposition to Trump’s deportation efforts, even if it meant appearing to overlook the domestic violence aspect that the #MeToo movement was designed to combat.

This pattern of shifting principles extends beyond the #MeToo context. A similar reversal can be observed in immigration policy. Historically, prominent figures within the Democratic Socialist movement, such as Bernie Sanders, expressed skepticism about open borders, even labeling them as proposals from conservative groups as recently as 2015.

Yet, when Donald Trump subsequently championed stricter border controls and a more hawkish immigration policy, a dramatic pivot occurred across the Democratic spectrum. Many politicians, including Sanders himself, quickly advocated for policies that would decriminalize illegal border crossings, illustrating a willingness to reverse previous positions solely in opposition to Trump’s agenda.

Another compelling example arises from economic policy, specifically regarding corporate taxes and tariffs. For years, progressives decried corporate greed and advocated for higher taxes on large corporations. However, when Trump implemented tariffs that forced corporations to absorb significant costs, effectively making them “eat” a portion of the burden, the left once again shifted its narrative, criticizing the very mechanism that achieved a similar outcome to their stated goals.

The “Age of Trump” has demonstrably blurred traditional political lines, compelling various factions to re-evaluate or even renounce long-held values. This article highlights a troubling trend where ideological consistency can be sacrificed at the altar of political opposition, prompting crucial questions about the genuine underpinnings of progressive movements in the contemporary political arena.