In brief
The emergence of Pope Leo XIV, a figure seen as akin to Pope Francis, has sparked dissent among MAGA supporters despite President Trump's enthusiasm.
The selection of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV has stirred controversy within the MAGA movement despite President Trump's warm congratulatory statement celebrating the first U.S.-born pontiff. Trump expressed his enthusiasm, calling it a "great honor" and an "exciting" development for the Church. However, prominent figures within the MAGA faction are rallying against the newly elected pope. Laura Loomer, a high-profile far-right activist aligned with Trump, launched a critique, labeling Leo XIV as "anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open Borders, and a total Marxist" through a social media post soon after his appointment. Loomer’s comments indicate that sentiments among some Trump supporters are less than favorable, viewing the new pope as a continuation of the progressive policies associated with his predecessor, Pope Francis.The backlash against Pope Leo XIV continued on platforms like Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, where guests voiced concerns about the new pontiff's stance on various social issues. Critics are wary that Leo may follow in Francis's footsteps, particularly regarding immigration and social justice, issues that often put him at odds with Trump’s policies. As internal divisions grow, many in the MAGA movement now grapple with the implications of having a pope whose values they perceive as conflicting with their political and ideological beliefs, raising questions about the future relationship between the Vatican and U.S. conservative politics.
