A prominent figure leading a rapidly expanding network of former Donald Trump loyalists has issued a stark warning: significant fractures are emerging within the MAGA movement, potentially setting the stage for a major political backlash in the next election.
The Rise of 'Leaving MAGA' and a Personal Awakening
Rich Logis, the founder of the support group 'Leaving MAGA', launched the organisation after publishing a personal apology for his past support in 2022. He describes the process of leaving the movement as often seeming sudden but being years in the making. "There's going to be a massive turnout next year," Logis predicted. "I think it's going to be an electoral revolt against Trump and MAGA."
His group has seen swift growth, raising over $100,000 from small donors towards a $250,000 goal for 2026. It now has leaders in 20 states, coordinated by 25 individuals. Logis plans to launch a public poll this year to quantify how many Americans have abandoned the movement.
Personal Stories of Disillusionment
Among those who have joined is Jennie Gage, 51, a former 'Mormon trad-wife' with a large social media following on her account 'LifeTakeTwo'. Her transformation has been profound. She admits to having once been a white supremacist and anti-feminist who "actively fought against gay marriage," with her MAGA support being "rock solid."
However, the rhetoric, particularly comments targeting transgender individuals, became impossible to ignore. "I just saw the hate, and it reminded me, literally, of Germany," Gage said. "It reminded me of Hitler." She now reports receiving thousands of responses from people expressing unhappiness with MAGA and a desire to leave.
The disillusionment is also visible among younger voters. Steve Vilchez, 22, a Gen-Z conservative of Mexican heritage, was an avid MAGA supporter for nearly a decade but ultimately voted for Kamala Harris in 2024. He struggled to reconcile Trump's rhetoric with his reality as the child of immigrants. "It was hard to balance what Trump wants and what actually affects my personal life," he explained.
The Economic Betrayal and Political Consequences
Leaders of 'Leaving MAGA' unanimously identify the economy as the most significant factor driving defections. Many who voted for Trump believing he would lower costs now feel a deep "cognitive dissonance" as their living expenses remain high.
This is supported by a late-December J.L. Partners poll for the Daily Mail, which revealed a deepening affordability crisis. Nearly half of voters (48%)—and 58% of independents—report life has become more expensive under the current term, with 36% describing it as "much more unaffordable."
Vilchez pointed to the price of fuel: "'It's the economy stupid'... In Illinois I have yet to see the price under $2.80. In the suburbs gas is almost 4 dollars a gallon." He warns, "If the economy keeps getting worse, I think Trump will have a problem, especially with young people just starting their lives."
Polling indicates a shift within the Republican party. A December 2025 NBC News Decision Desk poll found the party is now evenly split 50-50 between those who identify with MAGA and those aligned with the traditional GOP.
Other flashpoints cited by former supporters include Trump's handling of the Epstein story, the "inhumane treatment of immigrants," and actions critics label unconstitutional.
Scepticism and a Final Warning
Some, like Republican strategist Ron Bonjean, remain sceptical of the scale of defections. "It is very difficult to believe that MAGA voters would give up their support so easily," he said.
The White House, through spokesperson Davis Ingle, maintains that Trump remains the most "dominant figure in American politics," citing "historic progress."
For those like Jennie Gage who have left, the advice to those still within the movement is clear: "When you see a red flag, cross the street and walk the other way."
