Key Takeaways
• Jennie grew up in a strict Mormon home and became a die-hard MAGA supporter.
• She later doubted her faith and politics after researching Mormon history.
• By 2020, she quit the church, left the GOP, and stopped supporting Trump.
• Today she hosts a podcast, embraces feminism, and joins a group for ex-Trump followers.
Leaving MAGA: One Woman’s Radical Shift
Jennie Gage spent decades as a top Mormon Republican. She loved Trump’s promise to “Make America Great Again.” Then at age 49, she quit both her church and the GOP. Now she calls herself a “raging feminist” and leads a life far from her past.
Background: Growing Up in a Strict Church
Jennie grew up in an ultraconservative Mormon family. From preschool playdates to marriage, her world revolved around church teachings. She learned that obedience and family were the highest values. Mormons believe they hold the truest version of Christianity. In her home, this faith blended with ideas about race, gender roles, and America’s destiny.
Embracing MAGA and Trump’s Message
When Donald Trump announced his 2016 run, Jennie found her new cause. She had watched his reality show and read his books. His words “Make America Great Again” moved her deeply. She pictured a Norman Rockwell-style world: white picket fences, family dinners, simple values. She soon joined local GOP events and defended Trump online. She even told her nephew that Trump would free America like Napoleon freed France.
The Moment She Started Leaving MAGA
By 2018, doubts crept in. One Sunday, she sat in church and stopped believing. She Googled Mormon history for the first time. She learned about polygamy and hidden church records. At the same time, her marriage of 24 years ended. These events shook her faith in both religion and politics. She resigned from her church and began to rethink everything.
Key Steps in Leaving MAGA
First, Jennie dove into reading beyond conservative outlets. She found stories of immigrants, LGBTQ people, and women who faced real harm from strict laws. Next, she tracked political facts instead of sharing viral posts. She realized that no GOP action on health, education, or climate matched her emerging values. Finally, she talked with friends who once backed Trump. Their doubts mirrored her own. Bit by bit, she left MAGA behind.
Building a New Identity
After 2020, Jennie stopped voting for Trump. On the way to the booth, she felt sick. She and her partner skipped that choice and studied both party platforms. She admitted she agreed with Democrats on almost every issue. By then, she identified as an atheist, feminist, and anarchist. She now hosts a podcast, “Life, Take Two,” where she shares her journey and speaks out against conspiracy theories.
Why Christian Nationalism Is Dangerous
Jennie warns that faith mixed with politics can become a cult. She calls Mormonism “Christian nationalism on steroids.” She believed Jesus wrote the Constitution and that America would rule the world until his return. Now she sees similar ideas in groups like Turning Point USA. She fears these groups target young adults, shaping their beliefs before they question them. She compares the movement to a virus that will keep adapting.
Her View on Trump Today
Today, Jennie calls Trump “reprehensible and hateful.” She believes he only cares for his base. She sees his rallies as mob-boss displays, not true leadership. She calls ICE tactics under his watch an “American Gestapo.” She points to cases of detained mothers, deported children, and violent arrests. For Jennie, these actions show that Trump’s vision of America is cruel.
Finding Community After Leaving MAGA
Leaving MAGA felt isolating at first. Jennie lost friends and saved heated online debates. Soon, she found “Leaving MAGA,” an online support group for ex-Trump fans. There, she connected with people who felt lost after turning their backs on conspiracy theories. They share advice on family conversations, mental health, and civic engagement. Now Jennie helps run this community and hosts meet-ups.
Life After the Shift
Now living in Tucson, Jennie’s life looks very different. She has a diverse circle of friends. She no longer prays three times a day or studies church manuals. Instead, she reads feminist literature and volunteers at local causes. She explores her family’s role in past injustices. She works to repair harm by supporting Native American rights. In short, she lives with more empathy and less fear.
Conclusion
Jennie Gage’s journey shows how a single moment of doubt can spark a total life change. From a loyal Mormon Republican to a feminist activist, she rebuilt her beliefs from the ground up. Her story warns of the power of Christian nationalism and blind loyalty. Yet it also highlights hope. No matter how deep someone’s conditioning runs, honest research and open dialogue can lead to a way out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does leaving MAGA mean for someone like Jennie?
It means moving on from Trump’s ideas, dropping blind loyalty, and questioning past beliefs.
How did faith influence her political views?
Her strict Mormon upbringing taught her America had a special destiny under conservative values.
What dangers does Christian nationalism pose?
It mixes religion and politics so tightly that followers often accept extreme ideas without question.
How can someone support a friend who is leaving a strong political group?
Listen without judgment, share reliable facts gently, and offer community spaces where they can talk openly.