Aaron Rupar, a well-known left-leaning journalist and social media commentator, has a knack for curating viral political moments. In his latest roundup of the most-watched clips of 2024, Rupar highlights a series of videos that, intentionally or not, showcase the undeniable strength and popularity of the MAGA movement.
As we usher in the new year, and a new administration under President-elect Donald Trump, these moments celebrate the cultural impact of MAGA-era conservatism, proving its resonance even in contexts meant to critique it.
Trump on Deportations: A Hardline Approach
In a clip garnering 18 million views, Donald Trump confirmed his intent to take a firm stance on immigration, including deporting U.S. citizens (children born here) whose parents are undocumented.
Trump’s unwavering commitment to law and order and his America First policies resonate with voters who mandated stronger border security and mass deportation measures to protect American safety and sovereignty.
Trump confirms that he plans to deport US citizens who have undocumented parents pic.twitter.com/fsmjwH1KAT
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 8, 2024
While not a viral clip included in Rupar's year-end list, Trump's comments mirror Tom Homan's infamous words during a "60 Minutes" interview. Homan, the former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director, was tapped to be Trump's "Border Czar" in his incoming administration.
When interviewer Cecilia Vega asks if there is a way to carry out mass deportations without family separation, Homan responds:
"Of course there is. Familes can be deported together,"
Cecilia Vega asks: “Is there a way to carry out mass deportation without separating families?”
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) October 28, 2024
“Of course there is. Families can be deported together,” says Tom Homan, head of ICE during Trump’s family separation policy. https://t.co/If9G1sNEzj pic.twitter.com/TIWhi25Vdu
Read More:
Homan Defiant! Incoming Border Czar to Dem Congresswoman: 'Game On.'
Pete Hegseth Critiques Women in Combat
Pete Hegseth, nominated to be Trump's Secretary of Defense, went viral for his perspective on women in combat roles during a CNN interview. The clip has amassed 15 million views.
Hegseth said bluntly:
"I'm straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles."
While his remarks sparked discussions about gender roles in the military, Hegseth is tasked with removing "wokeness" and any policy that would hinder military readiness and American global strength.
Pete Hegseth 5 days ago: "I'm straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles." pic.twitter.com/0W3LDSakud
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 13, 2024
RFK Jr. Takes Aim at the FDA
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaking on MSNBC, made headlines with his plan to overhaul the FDA. The clip has been viewed 12 million times.
RFK Jr. declared:
"I intend to clear out entire departments of the FDA."
For conservatives wary of regulatory overreach, entrenched bureaucracy, and medical malfeasance, Kennedy’s proposal is a familiar call to action: "Drain the swamp!"
RFK Jr tells MSNBC that he intends to clear out entire departments of the FDA pic.twitter.com/MKdt5MT0tB
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 6, 2024
Sometimes, the best way to communicate is to lay it out straight. These viral moments highlight modern conservatism: immigration reform, military readiness, and government accountability. Their inclusion on Rupar's list reflects a legacy media landscape where conservative values face constant scrutiny but also resonate strongly with millions of Americans.
In the end, these viral moments prove that MAGA principles aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving.
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