Trump's MAGA on a 'runaway train of death and destruction': conservative

Jennifer Rubin claims Trump's 'delusions of grandeur' overwhelm the Constitution, decency, and Americans' distress.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 5:51pm

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In a scathing op-ed, conservative columnist Jennifer Rubin argues that President Donald Trump and his 'MAGA' supporters have inflicted immense suffering on vulnerable Americans through policies that cut vital government services, slashed jobs, and consigned children and adults overseas to death. Rubin cites numerous examples, from over 150 direct murders at sea to the suspension of SNAP benefits during a government shutdown, and claims Trump 'inarguably cares nothing about (if not outright celebrates) deaths, illnesses, suffering, economic distress and any other harm he inflicts on those who refuse to worship him.'

Why it matters

Rubin's critique of Trump's policies and their devastating impact on American lives reflects a growing concern among conservatives about the former president's disregard for the Constitution and the wellbeing of the country. As the 2024 election approaches, this op-ed highlights the deep divisions within the Republican party and the potential for a backlash against Trump's brand of politics.

The details

Rubin's op-ed outlines a litany of Trump administration policies that she claims have caused harm to vulnerable Americans, including the more than 150 direct murders at sea, the cutback in Medicaid and refusal to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, the suspension of SNAP benefits during a government shutdown, and the Department of Homeland Security shutdown that has been underway since mid-February. She also criticizes Trump's attempts to 'cut vital social services in blue states' and the 'hidden tax on purchases imposed via tariffs' that has 'forcing already strapped families and small businesses to pay more.'

  • The Department of Homeland Security shutdown has been underway since mid-February 2026.
  • The 2024 election is approaching.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States whose policies and rhetoric Rubin criticizes as causing immense harm to vulnerable Americans.

Jennifer Rubin

A conservative columnist who wrote the op-ed criticizing Trump's 'MAGA' agenda and its detrimental impact on the country.

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What they’re saying

“The MAGA crowd was delighted when DOGE minions cut vital government services, slashed jobs, and consigned children and adults overseas to death. Trump applauds when government workers lose their jobs.”

— Jennifer Rubin, Conservative columnist

“He and his MAGA toadies refused to separately fund TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard.”

— Jennifer Rubin, Conservative columnist

What’s next

The 2024 election will be a crucial test for Trump and his 'MAGA' movement, as voters will have the opportunity to reject the policies and rhetoric that Rubin has condemned.

The takeaway

Rubin's scathing critique of Trump's policies and their impact on vulnerable Americans reflects a growing concern among conservatives about the former president's disregard for the Constitution and the wellbeing of the country. As the 2024 election approaches, this op-ed highlights the deep divisions within the Republican party and the potential for a backlash against Trump's brand of politics.