Newsweek Discovers 'Manifest Destiny' for a Former President, Not a Nation
Newsweek, in its recent piece, proclaims that 'No One Can Stop Trump’s MAGA Manifest Destiny,' framing his political momentum as an unstoppable, divinely ordained force. This kind of pronouncement, usually reserved for geopolitical expansion, conveniently bypasses the historical baggage of the term. 'Manifest Destiny' was coined to justify the violent dispossession of indigenous peoples and the
aggressive annexation of territories, a historical context rarely mentioned when the phrase is dusted off for modern political commentary. One might wonder if Newsweek’s editorial board simply enjoys grand pronouncements or if they truly believe divine right is back on the ballot. Using 'Manifest Destiny' for a political figure obscures the very real, very human machinations at play. It's less
about inevitable forces and more about strategic media narratives, targeted voter suppression efforts (as documented by the Brennan Center for Justice), and an often-uncritical mainstream media willing to confer almost mythical status on controversial figures. Perhaps the most effective way to 'stop' any political movement is not through divine intervention, but informed civic engagement and
holding media outlets accountable for the frames they impose.