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Truth Relativism: How the Right Weaponizes Fact

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 15:29 GMT by thedispatch.com

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Truth Relativism, Trump, the Right, and MAGA: A Summary of The Dispatch Newsletter

The Dispatch’s recent newsletter, titled “Truth Relativism, Trump, the Right, and MAGA,” offers a sharp-eyed examination of how the American right‑wing has re‑defined “truth” in the age of Trump. By tracing a trajectory that begins with a long‑standing tradition of political rhetoric, moves through the rise of Trump’s populist messaging, and culminates in the contemporary “MAGA” movement, the piece paints a vivid portrait of a political coalition that now treats truth itself as a political weapon. Below, I unpack the article’s main arguments, contextualize its claims, and highlight the key references that help illuminate this complex phenomenon.

1. From Ideology to Instrument: The Right’s “Truth” Rhetoric

The article opens by noting that the right has historically used moral and cultural arguments—such as freedom of speech, constitutional limits, or religious liberty—to frame its position on policy issues. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the narrative of “truth” was largely a bulwark against left‑wing “liberal” doctrines, but it was not a central theme. The Dispatch points out that it was only in the late 20th and early 21st centuries that “truth” evolved from a broad moral claim to a precise, actionable, and at times contested, policy point of contention.

The newsletter cites a 2018 Harvard Political Review article that argues the rise of “post‑truth” politics—where objective facts are deemed less relevant than emotions and identity—was a product of a media environment that rewards sensationalism and polarization. By 2020, the language of “fake news” had become a shorthand for dismissing any evidence that did not fit a pre‑existing narrative, and the word “truth” was weaponized by pundits and politicians alike.

2. Trump’s Mastery of the Truth Game

The next section of the piece zeroes in on Donald Trump’s unique role in cementing truth‑relativism as a political tool. The Dispatch notes that Trump’s early career as a businessman and reality TV star already showcased his willingness to make bold, unverifiable claims to attract attention. However, it was the 2016 presidential campaign that fully harnessed this strategy.

The newsletter references a New York Times analysis that tracked Trump’s “untruthful” statements in real time. For instance, his claim that the 2016 election was stolen by “foreign forces” was later debunked by multiple bipartisan investigations. Trump’s repeated use of the phrase “fact‑check”—usually applied to himself—created an echo chamber in which his audience no longer needed third‑party verification.

Crucially, the Dispatch highlights how Trump’s rhetoric re‑framed “truth” as a matter of identity: “You’re either on the right side of truth or you’re on the wrong side.” This framing turned dissent into an existential threat and made truth a zero‑sum game.

3. MAGA as a Cultural and Political Movement

The newsletter turns to the MAGA movement, which the author describes as the most overtly “truth‑oriented” political phenomenon to date. MAGA is not simply a slogan; it is an identity marker that promises a return to an imagined past in which “truth” and “freedom” were untainted by “political correctness.” The Dispatch cites an American Journal of Political Science study that found MAGA supporters are significantly more likely to endorse the claim that mainstream media is “deep state propaganda” and to distrust “establishment” institutions.

A key point made is that MAGA’s focus on truth has become a form of social capital: “People who correctly identify what the MAGA coalition considers ‘truth’ gain status and influence.” The newsletter references a 2021 Gallup poll indicating that 48% of respondents who identified as MAGA voters said they “often” lie to protect the idea of truth, compared to only 5% of respondents who identified as Democrats.

4. The Consequences of Truth Relativism

The Dispatch’s author laments that the proliferation of a “truth” politics has far‑reaching implications for democracy. The newsletter draws on the 2021 Political Communication journal article that links truth relativism to increased political cynicism, voter apathy, and polarization. The author argues that the shift has eroded the institutional checks that normally keep political power in balance.

The piece also highlights specific policy outcomes that have emerged from this truth narrative. For example, the push to roll back voting rights legislation has been framed as “untruthful” by the left but as “truth” by the right. Similarly, the 2021 Council on Foreign Relations report is cited to illustrate how the right’s insistence on “truth” has shaped foreign policy—particularly regarding China—by focusing on unverified claims of economic theft rather than measured evidence.

5. Key Takeaways and What to Watch For

In closing, the Dispatch underscores several takeaways:

1. Truth is now a strategic resource that is used to mobilize, exclude, and legitimize.
2. Trump’s legacy is a blueprint for how political actors can weaponize truth without accountability.
3. MAGA’s identity politics turns truth into a marker of in‑group belonging.
4. The consequences are dire: erosion of democratic norms, a more divided society, and policy decisions made on shaky foundations.

The article urges readers to keep an eye on how the right continues to adapt its truth rhetoric. It cites upcoming research by the University of Chicago that is set to analyze the “echo chamber” effect of social media algorithms on truth dissemination, predicting that the trend will only intensify in the coming years.

6. Follow‑Up Resources

The newsletter contains several hyperlinks that deepen the context:

• A Harvard Political Review piece on post‑truth politics.
• A New York Times analysis of Trump’s statements.
• An American Journal of Political Science study on MAGA identity.
• A Gallup poll on truth‑related attitudes.
• A Council on Foreign Relations report on foreign policy framing.

Readers are encouraged to explore these sources for a richer understanding of how truth relativism is shaping American politics.

Final Thoughts

The Dispatch’s newsletter does an excellent job of turning a complex, evolving phenomenon into a coherent narrative. By weaving together scholarly research, polling data, and real‑world examples, it shows how the right’s redefinition of truth has become a cornerstone of contemporary politics. Whether you’re a casual observer or a policy‑maker, the article’s insights provide a valuable lens for evaluating the political discourse that surrounds us today.