In recent years, racism and xenophobia have emerged not only as external criticisms of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement but as internal fractures that affect members and supporters themselves — including minorities associated with or supportive of MAGA causes. While supporters argue MAGA stands for patriotism, numerous examples show how racial prejudice persists within parts of its online and grassroots base, sometimes targeting people of color and ethnic minorities who align with the movement. Wikipedia
One of the most striking examples involves attacks against Indian Americans within MAGA circles, including public figures like Vivek Ramaswamy and Kash Patel. Despite Ramaswamy’s involvement in conservative politics, social media posts from MAGA supporters have included xenophobic remarks telling him to “go back to India” and mocking his heritage — even though he is U.S.-born. Vivek in an interview was told by MAGA Podcaster Ann Coulter she agrees with many of his talking points, but couldn’t vote for him because he was Indian. Similar racist responses were directed at FBI Director Kash Patel after he publicly celebrated Diwali, revealing bigotry toward cultural expression within the base. LEVEL Man+1
The backlash against Vice President J.D. Vance’s Indian-heritage wife also illustrates how deep these sentiments can run among some online MAGA adherents. Far-right corners of social media turned a personal family detail into a fixation, with some racist commentators undermining their support over her ethnicity. The New Republic+1
Beyond individual cases, surveys and reports paint a broader picture of racial resentment and tolerance for open racism among segments of the modern Republican coalition, which overlaps significantly with the MAGA movement. Younger, newer entrants to the GOP have been found more likely to openly express racist beliefs and embrace conspiracy theories tied to xenophobic rhetoric — signaling systemic cultural issues within parts of the base, not just isolated incidents. Manhattan Institute
Critics argue this isn’t accidental. The MAGA slogan itself, “Make America Great Again,” has been described in media analysis as appealing to a nostalgic vision of America that, for some, idealizes a past with less racial diversity — opening the door for coded and overt racist interpretations among supporters. Wikipedia
These trends matter because they complicate narratives that portray MAGA purely as a policy-focused movement. When racial prejudice harms not only minority communities broadly but also those within its own ranks, it raises important questions about inclusivity, the limits of political allegiance, and the deep cultural challenges facing contemporary American politics.
