Kathmandu— Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently sparked debate by labeling an earlier period of progressive activism as “Woke 1,” but a new analysis reveals that the right—specifically the MAGA movement—is currently engaged in its own form of heightened censorship and repression. This “MAGA Woke” phenomenon, characterized by public watchlists, job losses, visa revocations, and even criminal investigations, is demonstrably more extensive and dangerous than the excesses of 2020 progressive activism, with a significant increase in the use of state power to punish dissenting speech.

From Glossary Cancellations to Defunded Research

The Trump administration and its supporters have engaged in widespread “canceling” of individuals and programs based on ideological grounds. This included searching for vaguely left-leaning words—such as “history,” “culture,” and “climate”—in grant applications and contracts, leading to the defunding of research into areas like firefighter health, cancer studies, Holocaust history, and programs for disabled teens. These actions were taken simply because the language used was deemed unacceptable by the administration.

Public Watchlists and Government Repression

Beyond defunding, scores of government workers were placed on public watch lists run by right-wing groups with ties to the White House due to their political opinions. At least half of these individuals were forced on leave or left their jobs as a result. This level of repression far surpasses anything seen during the Biden administration, where the most significant controversy involved Twitter throttling conservative accounts—a serious issue but one that pales in comparison.

Expanding Censorship Beyond Social Media

While previous administrations faced criticism for tech censorship, the MAGA movement has expanded these efforts beyond the digital realm. Individuals have had visas revoked, travel privileges denied, and even been deported due to posts or memes critical of Trump, his allies, or U.S. policy. This represents a significant escalation in the suppression of free speech.

Numbers Tell a Stark Story

Following the death of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk, Trump and his allies demanded repercussions for anyone criticizing him. As a result, over six hundred Americans were fired, suspended, or disciplined by their employers for expressing dissenting views—the majority being educators. This contrasts sharply with the twenty-two academics who lost their jobs during the “Woke 1” period of 2020 and the 160 people fired for pro-Palestinian advocacy in 2024. Reuters found that Trump’s administration faced rulings against it in eighty-one percent of seventy-five First Amendment cases, while Biden's administration had a much lower rate.

Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Advocacy

The crackdown on criticism of Israeli policy and support for Palestinian rights has intensified under the Trump administration. Hundreds of students have been arrested, detained, or faced deportation for expressing views deemed offensive by the MAGA movement. One activist had their green card revoked for criticizing Israel, while another had their visa revoked for co-authoring an op-ed critical of the university’s response to events in Gaza. These actions have drawn condemnation from both the American Civil Liberties Union and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

The analysis suggests a clear pattern of escalating censorship and repression under the MAGA movement, surpassing the scale and intensity of earlier instances of “woke” excess and raising concerns about the future of free speech in the United States.

(With inputs from Jacobin)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.