MAGA’s ‘Manifest Destiny’ Coalition Has Arrived | WIREDSkip to main contentMenuSECURITYPOLITICSTHE BIG STORYBUSINESSSCIENCECULTUREREVIEWSMenuAccountAccountNewslettersSecurityPoliticsThe Big StoryBusinessScienceCultureReviewsChevronMoreExpandThe Big InterviewMagazineEventsWIRED InsiderWIRED ConsultingNewslettersPodcastsVideoMerchSearchSearchSign InSign InMakena KellyPoliticsJan 21, 2026 11:00 AMMAGA’s ‘Manifest Destiny’ Coalition Has ArrivedWarring factions of right-wing influencers and MAGA pundits can finally agree on something: American imperialism.Photo-illustration: WIRED Staff; Getty ImagesCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyFor the past few months, some of the most influential figures in MAGA politics have been locked in bitter infighting. But with a new year comes new priorities, and the warring factions are reuniting around a new cause: a new era of American “manifest destiny.”Major players, from influencers to politicians, have been arguing over the Trump administration’s plans on issues like H-1B visas, Jeffrey Epstein document dumps, AI regulation, Israel’s war with Hamas, and even white nationalist Nick Fuentes. But in recent weeks, these feuds have faded into background noise as the US raided Venezuela, arresting president Nicolás Maduro, and, more recently, as President Donald Trump publicly toys with invading Greenland and destroying NATO as we know it.If Trump needed a unifying platform, he found it. Everyone from right-wing creators and pundits with millions of followers to elected officials have circled the wagons.Influencers Benny Johnson and the Twitch streamer Asmongold have recently both offered support for an American takeover of Greenland, Kyle Tharp, who writes the Chaotic Era newsletter, noted Tuesday. “After everything America has done for Europe over the last 120 years, handing over Greenland is a tame ask, and a no-brainer if the continent wishes to continue their national security welfare dependency,” Johnson posted to X over the weekend. (Johnson also spent last week in California vowing to unveil purported fraud in the state.)“How can you get more ‘America First’ than Manifest Destiny 2.0?” Steve Bannon, who hosts the show War Room, told NBC News earlier this month, responding to questions about the Trump administration’s abduction of Venezuela president Nicolás Maduro.The concept of “manifest destiny” took root in the early 19th century and encompassed the belief that the US was divinely preordained to expand its rule across the western half of the country. Now, posters on platforms like X are applying the term to the Trump administration’s efforts to take over Greenland, sharing images of the American flag overlaid on adjacent countries, like Greenland and Mexico. On Tuesday, Trump posted an image to Truth Social of him in the Oval Office surrounded by world leaders that included a similar map that appeared to show the US taking over Canada as well.“It’s up to us to keep pushing for the orderly governance of the world via American imperialism,” said right-wing commentator Mike Cernovich on pundit Tucker Carlson’s podcast this week.The administration’s biggest political swings are often predated by massive messaging efforts by creators online. Take Trump’s surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers into Minneapolis: A viral video from right-wing creator Nick Shirley claiming to have allegedly uncovered $100 million in childcare fraud appeared to be used as justification by the White House to send thousands of ICE officers into Minnesota.Many of the creators supporting Trump’s stance on Greenland have long operated as anti-interventionists, especially as it relates to US funding for Ukraine. That hasn’t stopped them from joining in on calls to take over Greenland.This coalescence of support around an expansionist agenda is in total opposition to much of the messaging that came out of Trump’s most recent campaign and the first year of his second administration, as he continued positioning himself as the “peace president.” That branding is quickly dissolving as the administration’s rhetoric around Greenland heats up.In a text message to Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre reported over the weekend, Trump said “Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace.” He continued, “The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland.”With a uniting issue like Greenland, Trump appears poised to quickly rebuild the momentum his party lost in arguments over issues like the Epstein files. War, what is it good for—to MAGA, sure seems like absolutely something.This is an edition of the Inner Loop newsletter. Read previous newsletters here.CommentsBack to topTriangleYou Might Also LikeIn your inbox: WIRED's most ambitious, future-defining storiesThe ‘super flu’ is spreadingBig Interview: Margaret Atwood wants to keep up with the latest doomThe age of the all-access AI agent Is hereLivestream AMA: Welcome to the Chinese centuryMakena Kelly is a senior writer at WIRED focused on the intersection of politics, power, and technology. She writes the Politics Lab newsletter that helps you make sense of how the internet is shaping our political reality—sign up here. She was previously at The Verge, CQ Roll Call, and the ... Read MoreSenior Writer, Tech and PoliticsTopicsInner LooppoliticsgovernmentrepublicansDonald TrumpNATORead MoreTop Shark Promo Codes for This JanuaryShark makes some seriously powerful vacuums, from handheld vacs to steam mops. Don’t miss $100 off, 10% off, and more limited-time coupons from WIRED.Best Hungryroot Promo Codes and DiscountsGet up to 30% off your first order and free gifts using a Hungryroot promo code today. Discover our best coupons and discounts to let you save on your healthy groceries as a new or returning customer.Enjoy up to 60% Off With eBay Coupons in January 2026Save up to 60% on a selection of items at eBay, including electronics, home products, card games, and more.Top LG Promo Codes and Coupons for January 2026Save 20% with an LG promo code today, plus up to $1,000 off appliances, 40% off bestselling TVs and monitors.Peacock Promo Codes: 40% Off January 2026Stream your favorite shows for up to $80 off this month, and save on subscription plans with the latest Peacock TV coupons from WIRED.Save Up to 50% With Our Nike Promo Codes for January 2026Check out our deals for Nike this month, including up to 40% off select styles.H&R Block Coupon: 20% Off DIY Tax PrepSave up to 20% and get up to $4,000 with a Refund Advance Loan at H&R Block this tax season.Top HBO Max Promo Codes This JanuaryStream your favorite shows and save up to 50% today with HBO Max discount codes and subscription deals.Get a Govee Discount Code This JanuaryNew to Govee? Get a $5 coupon on your first purchase just for signing up.Save With Our KitchenAid Promo Codes This MonthSave on every purchase with top KitchenAid coupons from WIRED, including up to $200 off select countertop appliances.What Type of Mattress Is Right for You?Here’s how to pick the best mattress for your sleep needs, straight from a professional mattress tester.What We Know About the Winter Storm About to Hit the US—and What We Don’tA huge portion of the United States is going to be hit with snow or freezing rain this weekend. Exactly where, what, and how much remains uncertain.WIRED is obsessed with what comes next. Through rigorous investigations and game-changing reporting, we tell stories that don’t just reflect the moment—they help create it. When you look back in 10, 20, even 50 years, WIRED will be the publication that led the story of the present, mapped the people, products, and ideas defining it, and explained how those forces forged the future. WIRED: For Future Reference.SubscribeNewslettersTravelFAQWIRED StaffWIRED EducationEditorial StandardsArchiveRSSSite MapAccessibility HelpReviewsBuying GuidesStreaming GuidesWearablesCouponsGift GuidesAdvertiseContact UsManage AccountJobsPress CenterCondé Nast StoreUser AgreementPrivacy PolicyYour California Privacy Rights© 2026 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. WIRED may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Ad ChoicesSelect international siteUnited StatesLargeChevronItaliaJapónCzech Republic & SlovakiaFacebookXPinterestYouTubeInstagramTiktok

The resurgence of “Manifest Destiny” ideology within MAGA circles represents a significant and unsettling shift in the political landscape, driven by a coalescing coalition of influencers, pundits, and, increasingly, a segment of the Republican party. This isn’t a nostalgic revival of 19th-century expansionist rhetoric, but rather a newly articulated justification for aggressive geopolitical maneuvering, spearheaded primarily by Donald Trump and his core supporters. As detailed by Makena Kelly, the movement’s origin lies in a fracturing of previously disparate factions within the right-wing sphere, centered on issues like H-1B visas, Jeffrey Epstein documents, AI regulation, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and, crucially, the perception of global indifference to Trump’s leadership. The recent Venezuelan raid and Trump’s public musings about invading Greenland and dismantling NATO served as a powerful catalyst, solidifying this new strategic direction.

The core of this “Manifest Destiny 2.0” concept hinges on a rejection of traditional American foreign policy, specifically a dismissal of the “peace president” branding that characterized Trump’s earlier years. Instead, the coalition advocates for a proactive, even assertive, role for the United States in global affairs, framing it as an exercise in securing American interests and, more fundamentally, asserting global dominance. This narrative is explicitly tied to a belief in American exceptionalism – the notion that the U.S. is uniquely positioned to guide the world, often fueled by a perceived lack of respect or understanding from international allies.

The movement’s amplification through online platforms, notably X (formerly Twitter), is a crucial element. Influencers like Benny Johnson and the Twitch streamer Asmongold are actively promoting the concept, utilizing their vast audiences to normalize and popularize the idea of American imperialism. This echoes a well-established tactic – the use of online creators to shape public opinion and mobilize support for political agendas. The success of this approach is further highlighted by Trump’s own willingness to weaponize these influencers.

Furthermore, the resurgence of this ideology isn't simply a rhetorical shift; it’s predicated on a demonstrable attempt to reshape the global order. The strategic targeting of countries like Greenland—a sparsely populated Nordic nation—and Mexico underscores a willingness to engage in what could be viewed as aggressive geopolitical actions. This aligns with a broader strategy of undermining institutions and alliances seen as detrimental to American interests. The motivations are apparent – a desire to regain perceived lost leverage and to reassert a position of global leadership. The shift is being aided by the creation of new messaging strategies, by targeting previously opposing political groups through a shared platform.

The re-emergence of “Manifest Destiny” is rooted in a reaction to what is perceived as a decline in U.S. influence and a rejection of the norms of international relations. It represents a significant escalation in the rhetoric and potential actions of the Trump administration and its supporters. As Kelly concludes, this movement is not simply a fringe phenomenon, but a deliberate effort to redefine America’s role in the world—one characterized by ambition, dominance, and a return to a more assertive, even confrontational, foreign policy.