GOP Calls of 'Extremism' on the Left Deemed Epic-Level Gaslighting

Republicans label liberals as 'radical' while embracing Trump's authoritarian tendencies, columnist argues.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:04am

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Columnist Rex Huppke argues that as the Republican Party has become a 'cult of personality' around former President Donald Trump, its members have frantically labeled the left as 'extreme' while ignoring or defending Trump's own authoritarian and undemocratic actions. Huppke cites examples of Republicans promoting hatred, racism, and Islamophobia, while dismissing liberal policies aimed at improving affordability, access to childcare, and protecting the environment and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Why it matters

This commentary highlights the hypocrisy of Republicans accusing liberals of 'extremism' while the GOP has embraced Trump's norm-breaking and anti-democratic behavior. It raises concerns about the GOP's shift towards authoritarianism and the demonization of progressive policies and values.

The details

The article argues that as the Republican Party has become increasingly loyal to Trump, its members have frantically labeled liberals as 'radicals,' 'extremists,' and 'lunatics' for supporting policies like addressing climate change, protecting transgender rights, and ensuring access to affordable housing and healthcare. Meanwhile, the author cites numerous examples of Trump and his Republican allies engaging in behavior that could be considered extreme, such as pardoning Jan. 6 insurrectionists, promoting mass deportation, and allowing Christian nationalist influence in the Pentagon.

  • On Trump's first day in office, he pardoned MAGA insurrectionists who attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
  • In 2025, Young Republican leaders in New York, Kansas, Arizona and Vermont were found to be participating in racist and antisemitic online chats.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president whose norm-breaking and authoritarian behavior the author argues the Republican Party has embraced.

Zohran Mamdani

The recently elected New York City Mayor who has become a target of criticism from the right due to his Muslim faith and progressive policy positions.

Tommy Tuberville

A Republican senator from Alabama who shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) that suggested Mamdani, a Muslim, was 'the enemy' in reference to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Randy Fine

A Republican state representative in Florida who recently posted that 'We need more Islamophobia, not less.'

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What they’re saying

“The radicals on the left are the problem, and they're vicious and they're horrible and they're politically savvy, although they want men in women sports, they want transgender for everyone, they want open borders.”

— Donald Trump

“To be clear, I didn't 'suggest' Islamists are the enemy. I said it plainly.”

— Tommy Tuberville, Senator, Alabama

“We need more Islamophobia, not less.”

— Randy Fine, State Representative, Florida

The takeaway

This commentary highlights the hypocrisy of Republicans accusing liberals of 'extremism' while the GOP has embraced Trump's norm-breaking and anti-democratic behavior. It raises concerns about the party's shift towards authoritarianism and the demonization of progressive policies and values.