Jump directly to the content
SIGNATURE CATCHPHRASE

What does MAGA stand for?

THE slogan "Make America Great Again" or MAGA has come to symbolize Donald Trump’s populist appeal. 

It has caught the imagination of his fans who believe the United States has been declining in the past 20 years. 

Read our for the latest news as the US Capitol building is put into lockdown

US President Donald Trump leaves after speaking during a Make America Great Again rally
3
US President Donald Trump leaves after speaking during a Make America Great Again rallyCredit: AFP or licensors

What does MAGA stand for? 

MAGA stands for "Make America Great Again".

The use of the phrase by has been lauded as the most resonant campaign slogan in recent times .

This is because it hit a nerve among Americans who believe the country has lost out to globalization.

The use of the acronym MAGA gave rise to the related term MAGAnomics, which refers to President Donald Trump's economic policy. 

Where did the slogan come from? 

Trump first used the slogan during his 2016 election campaign, but he wasn't the first presidential hopeful who has used it.

Trump's supporters then made it popular by sporting hats emblazoned with the phrase in white letters.

A worker with many MAGA hats as US President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the Kenosha Regional Airport in Kenosha, Wisconsin
3
A worker with many MAGA hats as US President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the Kenosha Regional Airport in Kenosha, WisconsinCredit: EPA

The phrase was then altered during the to Keep America Great.

But the MAGA slogan continued to be used.

Trump fans wearing hats and waving flags bearing the on January 6.

They were angry about the result of the 2020 election which Trump says was rigged.

Black Lives Matter protesters burn President Trump flags and MAGA hats at BLM Plaza, in Washington DC
3
Black Lives Matter protesters burn President Trump flags and MAGA hats at BLM Plaza, in Washington DCCredit: Alamy Live News

Who has used the Make America Great Again slogan?

The slogan has been used numerous times in the past 40 years. 

In recent times, Ronald Reagan was the first to use it in an election campaign in 1980.

and his wannabe president wife , have all used the emotive phrase in their election campaigns.

But it was also used way back in 1940 by Republican senator Alexander Wiley and then later in Barry Goldwater's unsuccessful 1964 presidential campaign.

Dem lawmaker holds hand of terrified Republican congresswoman as MAGA mob storm Capitol building
Topics