MAGA remains dominant in Republican Party despite defeat, says professor

The MAGA movement remains dominant within the Republican Party despite its midterm election defeat, according to University of São Paulo professor Feliciano de Sá Guimarães. He stated no internal opposition forces currently challenge the movement's centrality in the party. Guimarães noted some Republicans discreetly opposing Trump have begun assigning blame to administration officials or Trump himself to distance politically, citing Vice President JD Vance as an example. He warned against underestimating MAGA's strength, which is allied with international far-right movements, including in Brazil. The professor said Trump could still play a decisive role in choosing the next Republican presidential candidate, though his influence would wane if his approval rating drops below 30 percent. He also noted midterm losses for incumbent presidents are historically normal since World War II.