OMG I just had to cut off my MAGA son.

[hookaleft]

I really didn't know how MAGA he was. He lives in another state. I have been sending him emails about what this administration is doing and how our democracy is in peril. This has been going on for about a month. I realize now that he didn't even read them. They were expansive, had links, and documentation to back it up. He wouldn't even look. He wouldn't even take a look.

He is Christian, college educated, and I thought empathic and reasonable.

But he just emailed back to me that "I’ve voted for Trump 3x - and will do it again when he’s on the ballot for a 3rd term in 2028."

I wrote back that I was disappointed that he was in a fucking MAGA cult and not to contact me again.

I am so brokenhearted.

[Baitball Blogger]

1. .

[Deuxcents]

2. Heartbroken for you. I've had family members I had to avoid but not a child. Wishing for you peace ❤️‍🩹

[msongs]

3. he has no redeeming qualities to justify continued contact?

[hookaleft]

6. of course he does

I love him with all my heart and soul. But I just can't accept that he refuses to see the danger we are in.

[Torchlight]

4. I hope there's eventually some reconciliation.

It's hard not to wonder how a relationship gets all the way to this point without a few chapters missing.

[hookaleft]

7. It is me

I have gone completely crazy against everything that is going on and I am so scared for me and our country.

[Brenda]

96. Who writes that emotional sentence and remembers to put on a period?

[niyad]

119. Perhaps someone for whom proper grammar and punctuation are

an automatic, ingrained habit.

[RandySF]

5. My son is red pilling.

He’s deep into bro culture with his fraternity, UFC etc. He says he doesn’t like Trump but there’s telling where it all goes.

[pnwmom]

101. I have a sister I had to let go.

She's ashamed of our gay father, and wants us all to stay in the closet with her.

[senseandsensibility]

8. I know that this can be very painful

I simply do not discuss politics with my maga relatives. There is no getting through. Of course I don't know your situation and can't speak to it specifically, but I wish that I had realized that earlier. It would have saved me a lot of grief.

[buzzycrumbhunger]

98. Same

I grew up in Iowa, which was blue as long as I could remember… and then Rush Limpballs appeared and suddenly, my mum (my dad had died and she’d been seeing an Air Force vet who obviously skewed her thinking) and siblings fell hard for the bullshit.

I moved to Florida (then blue) in like… ’89, and pretty much left my family behind at that point. So weird that people I grew up with so easily became strangers, except that I was always considered the odd one out—introverted, not superficial enough, whatever. I think I finally realized I must’ve been a changeling when I was about 14. My folks came back from a trip to Arizona that my dad won at work and brought extravagant gifts for all of us—and mine was simply a t-shirt that declared “I act different because I AM different.” Seriously? I was expecting turquoise jewelry, arrowheads, something not found in corn country… My siblings thought it was hysterical. Me? Not so much.

Good riddance, but I know intimately what it’s like to suddenly be cut off from what you thought was family. I’m sure when it’s your child, it’s much more painful than just losing siblings or a mother who’d lost her way. *sigh*

[Biophilic]

9. I'm so, so sorry. This has to be so hard.

Keep in mind that parents have had to do this exact thing many, many times for the centuries. It doesn't make it easier, but hopefully you won't feel alone. Damn, so sorry.

[progressoid]

10. I can't imagine

I have some family that are maga, but none that closely related. Heck a couple are even former Democrats (old school racist Democrats). So I don't discuss anything with them that is Trump related. Needless to say, we don't talk a lot. I'm hoping sanity returns at some point in the near future.

Hopefully he will find his way back too.

[Melon]

11. I would never cut off a son because he voted different than me

When my sons have a different view at the table than myself and are set in it, I tell them “ I hope you vote.” Because that is America and the right they are afforded. They can have their own views, I just want them to use the rights.

[Blue Full Moon]

14. It's more than a difference of opinion

Anyone who supports Trump supports racism, sexism, pedophiles, rapist, murder, starving people especially children, concentration camps, denying medical care, theft, greed and more. My MAGA son and daughter in law cut off me and my husband for calling the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of Mexico. Finally came around. Not so trumpy. New slogan dumb as a trump.

[SCantiGOP]

15. Agree 100%

[hookaleft]

25. this has nothing to do with voting

This has to do with the five alarm fire that this country is facing. I have tried to show him evidence, he won't even look. How can someone be that blind.

I am deadly serious about the situation this country is in. With the unprecedented graft and corruption, the inhumanity of the policies, the absence of care about what Americans are going through. The abandonment of the Republican Senate to stand for ANYTHING! To help to stop it??

All of this is right in front of your face if you chose to look.

[Melon]

38. Nahhhh...,it Trump will be gone in 3 years

It’s crazy to me to lose a son over politics. It’s the wrong emphasis on life. Your son has exactly one vote. I hope he uses it. You vote your own way.

[hookaleft]

42. You think this is it?? Wait till November.

See ya then.

[BunnyMcGee]

121. You don't get it, not a bit

no reply

[niyad]

123. krasnov has no intention of going anywhere, and he is implementing

plans to stay right where he is. And some people are so toxic that, regardless of their connection to us, they need not be in our lives.

[Dan]

77. Can I ask, how old is your son?

[Brenda]

97. Explain that abandonment of the Republican Senate to us

please?

[stopdiggin]

29. and if they had the whole racist, misogynistic, homophobic,

white nationalist, "U.S. for Christians!", "women in the home!" - MAGA mind set .. ? Those 'views'?

You're still sitting down to break bread, pat heads, and encouraging these people to 'vote their views'?
Charming! You of course have to do you. But I myself peeled off from the 'family first', 'blood thicker than water' nonsense - around the 5th, perhaps 6th grade? Some people don't even approach deserving the honor (make that 'privilege') of 'family'.

[Joinfortmill]

30. With all due respect, this is more than voting different

This is voting fascist.

[mdbl]

31. My son would quit calling me if he were a dumb Magat because,,

I would just harass the crap out of him any time we talked so I know he would end up cutting me off. Do I care? Not really if he's that stupid. I would, however, feel like a failure for raising such a dope.

[Timewas]

56. Myself

If they came back to me with that I would just totally stop communicating and shut them out totally, I would divorce my wife if she did that also

[stopdiggin]

129. really. how is one supposed to live with someone evincing such toxic and hateful views ?

( and one would assume core character .. ? )
Where exactly is the baseline for tolerance .. ? ( let alone respect ... )

[Timewas]

134. Exactly n/t

[kacekwl]

73. My son was MAGA for

quite some time. I remember discussing politics around a campfire with him and my daughter once and I was stunned at the way he thought about trump. Since then we avoid politics talk. He has since moved to Costa Rica and has softened his views quite a bit. One of the reasons for his move was he said he hated the way people behaved in Montana where he was living. We're much better now. Good luck to you.

[FoxNewsSucks]

117. I cut off my "family" because of this

I never did fit in. My "family" voted for an anti-gay marriage amendment in 2004. I couldn't continue faking belonging, or putting up with the hypocrisy. They voted that I and others like me are 2nd class non-humans. They voted for tRump.

Fuck them. Fuck anyone who votes that way and then expects the people who will be hurt and killed to pretend that's right. Fuck anyone who supports that.

We're not talking about different views on what to order at a restaurant table, we're talking about HUMAN FUCKING RIGHTS. And human DECENCY.

I can't imagine how callous anyone must be to suggest their so-called "right" to vote to hurt and kill others who are different overrides the differents' right to life, love and happiness.

[maxsolomon]

12. That is unfortunate. It's going to be hard to fix this.

Last edited Tue Jun 23, 2026, 06:17 PM - Edit history (1)

Emails, particularly long ones, are pretty pointless. TL;DR is a real thing.

You shouldn't lose contact with your son. I've already seen it happen with my Brother-in-Law over the same issue. It's been 6 years they've gone without speaking. He feels very sad over it.

Christianity means nothing when it comes to politics.

[Biophilic]

17. Interesting you should use the phrase "hatred of trump".

[Manatee]

21. Okay

[BannonsLiver]

26. The son the OP raised grew up to be a depraved magat.

I’m sure despite their best efforts. I would imagine that would be a crushing, sad disappointment for a parent. Maybe give them a bit of space before judging.

[Permanut]

27. Not seeing that in the OP.

[stopdiggin]

34. how about overwhelming disgust for core values? work better?

[Melon]

120. Like cutting off a gay son by a repub?

That’s unacceptable to me. Cutting a family relationship because someone has a different view or belief is not acceptable to me. Blood is thicker than water to me.

[stopdiggin]

128. if you choose .... But are you really trying to draw equivalencies

between homosexual identity - and white nationalism, overt bigotry and racism (read KKK) - with the list going on?
If your son-in-law (or daughter) is marching through town with Nazi flags and paraphernalia .. ? It's all just 'forgive and forget'? 'Love and understanding', Eh ?

You obviously have your point of view, friend. But, I for one, think it is deeply flawed.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

[Melon]

135. He didn't say any of that. You're fantasizing to dream up the worst case scenario.

My kids have a range of beliefs and I encourage them to vote. I’m fine with allowing them to grow as individuals. I guide them but don’t give ultimatums to follow my thinking. Per the election, more voted republican than democratic in the last election so they live among us. I live in the south and haven’t seen a waving southern flag in a decade and a swastika in longer than that. I lived in Georgia and saw a kkk rally 25 years ago. There had to be at least…..6, maybe 7 kkk guys. A few skinheads. And hundreds of protesters. I wasn’t afraid of the kkk. I laughed. It showed how few there really are and how the vast majority appise their views.
If half the voters went republican, I dare say they at least look on the surface like us and behave for the most part…like us. They have different political beliefs. I wouldn’t alienate a blood child because they don’t follow my beliefs. You do what you will with your family.

[stopdiggin]

136. I'm sorry my friend. But I don't consider Nazis and KKK to be just 'different political beliefs'

And, sorry again - but if your 'kids' have developed any such beliefs ... They are absolutely not welcome - in my house (or 'family' ), my community, or in any gathering or social circle in which I participate.

The 'live and let live' principle - 'different political beliefs' - can only be extended so far.
And Nazis are to be opposed - not mollified and 'understood'.
Full stop.

(Oh - and if you don't think MAGA is chock-a-block u]full of all manner authoritarian, racist, nationalist, and other little nastiness and evils ... You've frankly had your head buried in the sand for quite a little while. You and I both hope this doesn't describe your 'kids'. But - if they're MAGA .... I'm really sorry .... )

[hookaleft]

40. It is not just the hatred of Trump

It is the fear of what has happened to our country. Our institutions have been decimated and corrupted. There are psycho murderers in charge of our military. There are christo-fascists praying over our "leader" and at golden statues erected in his name. Russell Vought is in charge of the OMB. There are failed real estate developers negotiating foreign policy. Bill Pulte has been installed at the DNI. They are colluding to corrupt the midterms. It is a fucking five alarm fire.

[Manatee]

43. Is your fear

of what's happening to our Country less now that you cut off your Son?

[hookaleft]

45. that is none of your business

have a good day

[BarbD]

84. It is depressing to think the daughter I raised

just ignores the reality of today. She won't talk to me and I find her indifference extremely difficult.
I believe it was Elie Wiesel who said "The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference."

Still, I wonder where did I go wrong. A very wise friend of mine once told me, "You can't live their lives for them".

[bluestarone]

41. BULLSHIT! I say

I say it's LOVE of America is stronger than love for her son. I see who YOU are.

[Manatee]

44. That is

definitely a problem. Family first...always.

[bluestarone]

46. Again BULL:SHIT!!

[Torchlight]

49. Sounds serious

Good luck. Great raft.

[SheilaAnn]

53. Bullshit nonsense. Family can go to hell if they're selfish, etc. n/t

[Ocelot II]

59. Not always. Shared DNA can't be the only reason for maintaining a relationship

if you wouldn't want a relationship with that person if they weren't family. Sometimes a family member is the sort of person one wouldn't want as a friend, and if that's the case nobody should be shamed into maintaining a relationship with that person. It's really none of anyone's business other than that of the people involved.

[electric_blue68]

89. I think this is a nuanced view...

It's complex.

[sfdennis1]

93. Not so much....

Some family relationships are abusive, or toxic, or violent or VERY harmful in some way. Plz don’t “family shame” anyone else when you haven’t walked their path.
OP must do what is right for her and if she loved, raised, fed, and housed a child safely into adulthood…her job is done. Future reconciliation may be possible, and/or she may reconsider her decision but in MY OWN lived experience “family first” as a universal credo is toxic.

[Celerity]

94. What utter tosh, pure and simple.

[stopdiggin]

132. utter nonsense! and flabby and facile rote nonsense at that.

About two seconds of real examination to utterly destroy ....

[pansypoo53219]

16. men can be soooo gullible. my bro was anti-trump, but he is republikkklan to the bone.

[WhatTheFlux]

18. Leave the door open a crack

People can change, repent, and even atone. Even Tucker came to his senses (well, some of them).

[calimary]

91. That may be all you can do.

Leave the door open a crack.

Be there for whenever that blissful day comes when he comes to his senses and you can rebuild your relationship.

Yeah, easy e nough to say, but maddeningly hard to try to live with (and live through).

DU is always here if you ever need a shoulder (or 300+ shoulders) to lean on.

(((((( * ))))))

[Ars Longa]

110. I would contact him again , ask him gently, to walk you through what is

making/keeping him MAGA.
I would keep talking, (and listening) if possible.
It's good to have understanding.
Maybe he'll come to some self-awareness having to explain
this MAGA stuff out loud!
I hope this all can work out!
It's also good for you to reach out on this board.

[Pas-de-Calais]

19. My older sister & her entire family are MAGA as well

Love her, and her I. We just don’t discuss politics.
She went off on Biden one Sunday. Wife & I just looked at one another.

[multigraincracker]

39. Hard to make new friends in this world.

Have to find out their politics first. It’s a shame.
Lucky I only have one relative and his politics is to the left. In-laws, most but not all. Has informed the crazy ones we don’t talk politics with them.
When I was 11 years old I decided not to have children. Stuck to it. One benefit is that my carbon footprint ends with me. I do enjoy and love most of my step family. That helps.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

20. Why did you "have to"?

[TNNurse]

22. I am so very sorry.

[Joinfortmill]

23. This must be so hard for you. Hugs.

[ananda]

24. I understand.

I have had nothing to do with my magat
relatives for years.

My sisters still stay in contact with them,
but I just couldn't take the racism and
homophoboia and devotion to wealth
any more.

[calimary]

28. I'm so sorry this is happening to you.

Don't know what else to say except that WE are here whenever you need to vent.

[Chicagogrl1]

32. So Very Sorry 😔

Hoping he comes around. Unfortunately, it has to directly affect them for them to get it. Sending you really big hugs.

[OMGWTF]

33. My BFF of 36 years cut me off because I wasn't a MAGAt.

At least that's what I think because she became hardcore MAGA and wanted to have dinner at T💩p Tower when we met in Chicago, but I told her, "No." That was the last time we spoke.

[electric_blue68]

92. Ohhh, boy...sound like it. So sorry.

[PittBlue]

35. I am so sorry.

I can only imagine how painful this is for you. I hope that he eventually sees the light…it is hard to believe how the monster gets into peoples heads. Sending you love and peace.💙

[CousinIT]

36. Wow. I have siblings and nieces/nephews I cut off because they're the same way . . .

. . .but having to cut off your kid is a whole other level.

I'm so sorry this has happened to your family. He is in a cult. I don't know what to tell you about how to even deal with that - if I knew, I'd try to get my family out of it!

I totally understand though!

[badhair77]

37. I'm sorry to hear of this divide.

I totally get it but it’s a difficult situation. I hope you can find some common ground at some point and find some peace between the two of you. trumpism is a horrible state of mind and benefits no one but the man himself.

[The Wizard]

47. Pox News has been

dividing families since 1996.

[radical noodle]

48. Hugs...

We think we know someone so well and then get the jarring news that they're not who we thought they were. It's hard not to respond with shock and dismay. Magas are regularly demonized here and it's true that many of them have no redeeming qualities, but he's your son and you obviously do love him or this would not have hurt you so badly.

You are not alone. There are those who have cut ties to their children and even reduced their inheritance. There are adults who have broken with parents who are maga and no longer talk to them. Most of us have probably lost someone (friend or relative) to this maga cult, I know I have. Some suggest just not talking about it, but I've found that to be unhelpful if you already know where they stand. It's like living on a different planet from them, as they seem to have been brainwashed by propaganda. Still you may find that you and he can find a way to still be parent and son and have this wide gap in your political beliefs.

I hope your broken heart can mend and you will find a way through this.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

63. You are so very kind

[GenThePerservering]

50. The "space" people speak of here will be provided by time

We lost my cousin and her husband to MAGA - my family is very accepting of differences and were willing to overlook that...but then the inevitable happened...they started stealing from one of the family businesses. That was it. If ever they offer an olive branch (or even some recognition of wrong doing), it will be accepted.

Things are in so much flux right now, I think a lot of magats are just frightened and need those authoritarian apron strings to cling to.

[TheProle]

51. You "chose to" not "had to"

No judgment here, but not the route I would go.

You and your child made choices. Now you have to live with them.

BTW, ever heard the one about the young Democrat who disowned his dad for supporting Nixon? They reconciled 10 years later in line to vote for Reagan.

[niyad]

52. I cannot begin to imagine the pain you are feeling right now, but

please know that you are suppported and loved here.

hugggggs

[FarPoint]

54. This too will pass....

First off, BIG HUG....(((HUG)))

I don't see 47 having a pulse for much longer....say 6 months ...multiple chronic illness issues are taking a toll on him....We are not told the truth regarding health as we have with previous office holders.....

I suggest not confront son...talk about anything but politics....soon, say in 2027 he will come to you about thoughts on political issues....the truth will be on the table then....

[Turbineguy]

55. Trump wins

if you cut off close relatives.

[The Grand Illuminist]

74. Sometime you must do what must be done

for the greater good.

[stopdiggin]

133. No. Those 'relatives' chose behaviors and values - that made them unacceptable as

companions. A 'relationship' with a toxic and destructive person - is not an asset.

[relayerbob]

57. Sorry to be that guy

But he is no Christian

[Mariana]

126. Only non-Christians voted for Trump?

[bamagal62]

58. I am so sorry.

I had to cut ties with one of my very best friends.
It’s heartbreaking. But, I couldn’t ignore the racism any longer. I’m not sure what I would do if it were my son or daughter. My heart goes out to you.

[BeneteauBum]

60. Tough situation

All I can say is keep standing up for your values. When I hear individuals espouse hatred, bigotry, or support for violence, I immediately call it out. I don’t care how these people react to my verbal intervention, I will not stand by wringing my hands. You are right confronting a family member if you witness detrimental verbalizing towards others.

If your son wants to vote for tRump, so be it. He is exercising his right. However, I can’t agree with disowning him. Please keep the avenue of communication open even if it is your unidirectional pleas to be more compassionate towards others. This situation will not last forever.

Peace ☮️

[LatteLady]

61. So sorry for this very real loss

I have let go of my older brother and a few former friends. It’s sad and hard. But I feel honest and authentic at least.

You cannot change emotions with logic. It’s a cult.

[Chi67]

62. It sucks

But you did the right thing. MAGAs will not change. Even when Trump is gone, they will still be the same. Even those who left MAGA have said as much. When someone shows you who they are, believe them.

[Soul_of_Wit]

64. Sorry for your loss

And it is a great loss. Your son does not value the fundamentals of the American way of life. Anyone saying this is about politics is conflating MAGA with a random Republican. Personally, I have never called a before-times Republican un-American. All MAGA are un-American.

[MustLoveBeagles]

65. I don't know what to say other than I'm sorry

[Cha]

66. So sorry! There's no way actual

Christians would want PEDO in charge of anything much less our country. ☮️🕊️💙🌊🌈

[Cha]

67. So sorry! There's no way actual

Christians would want PEDO in charge of anything much less our country. ☮️🕊️💙🌊🌈

[anciano]

68. I recently learned about "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins....

and have found it to be a wonderful concept.

Best wishes 🙏

[SusieCreamcheese]

69. There is help.

My situation is similar to yours, but mine involves an estranged younger MAGA sister

I'm attending a support group tonight via Zoom at 7pm EST, offered by the "Leaving MAGA" website. They meet every Tuesday. Here's a description of their focus.

Many people impacted by a loved one involved in MAGA and extremist politics find their lives reshaped by conflict, avoidance, emotional strain, and other distorted relational dynamics. For some, the impact is explosive. For others, it’s corrosive and ongoing: walking on eggshells, managing someone else’s emotional volatility, losing clarity, authority, or peace in their own lives.
Solutions & Serenity is a facilitated support group for people living with that reality.

If you are interested, here's a link to information about the meeting. No charge.
Support Group - Leaving MAGA (https://leavingmaga.org/support-group/)

[MorbidButterflyTat]

70. Sometimes we have to make painful choices to protect our mental health

I know it's not easy.

[Bluestocking]

71. Going along to get along is not always the best choice

What you did is tough love. How many parents have had to kick their drug addicted child out so they can reach bottom and make their way back through recovery. It’s not okay to let hatred and harm come to others because that is the easy way to deal with things.

Your son is supporting horrible people and horrible things are being perpetrated on others. All of us need to do whatever it takes to end this, even if it means cutting off a child.

[The Grand Illuminist]

72. War is hell

nt

[SusieCreamcheese]

75. I often think about this . . .

Do you suppose family members of Hitler supporters enabled them by remaining silent? I once saw a documentary about the adult children of notorious Nazis who are still in therapy after all these years. Politics most assuredly can split families apart. Look at the Civil War.

[HowlingWulf]

76. I don't post here much, but I'm sorry you're going through this. nt

[Mysterian]

78. Sad

My brother became a dittohead back in the day and I remember several times he went storming out of family gatherings after some mild political discussion. These so-called conservatives are so angry because the right-wing propaganda liars tell them to be angry. My brother became more reasonable and I hope your son does too.

[Evolve Dammit]

79. I am so sorry. He's full into the cult. Take care, ED

[Warpy]

80. If you want to keep contact wih your son, you have to cut him off

whenever he mentions politisby telling him you don't want to talk about any of that crap and then change the suject quickly to something that interests you both. You can't mention politics, either.

It's called an armed truced and until and unless he smartens up, this is the best you can expect.

[Trueblue Texan]

81. All those wasted dollars on his education!

So sorry Hookaleft!

[JoseBalow]

82. I also choose not to associate with Nazis

I'm sorry for your loss.

[Luciferous]

83. I had to cut my brother off when he

claimed that Sandy Hook was a hoax, so I know how hard it can be. I'm sorry you're going through this.

[OldBaldy1701E]

85. Damn...

[Shellback Squid]

86. so sorry for your loss and his loss too

[Vogon_Glory]

87. Your family's affairs are none of my business, but I hope you can keep the lines of communication open, despite

your profound political differences.

I have several right-leaning relatives. I'm still on speaking terms with them, but we can't talk about politics.

I suppose that I could bombard them with articles and computer links detailing the iniquities of the current administration and its political enablers, but I'm resigned to the fact that they probably won't read them, let alone believe them.

I'm not happy about it.

As that Bible some of them read but many of them choose to ignore states : "There are none who are so blind as they who will not see," and members of the Religious Right, particularly Evangelical Protestants, aren't willing to perform reality checks on whether their avatar (s) are performing good deeds or living righteously.

I am unhappily resigned to the fact that when it comes to Orange Julius and his fan clubs and enablers, I probably won't be the one to wise them up. They aren't going to listen and they don't want to hear it from me. If they wise up, they are going to have to learn the hard way when their hero and his political allies tear massive holes in the social safety nets they unwisely chose to trust to their care. And I believe that Incumbent will try. Judas Iscariot has nothing on the narcissistic, amoral, corrupt individual currently ensconced in the White House.

I suspect that many of what's-his-name's followers will never admit that they were mislead or were wrong. I do hold out hope that some, like the Prodigal Son in the New Testament, will wake up someday and notice that they'd gone on a bender and are in deep trouble. Not only that, that it wasn't the "libs," it wasn't Joe Biden, it wasn't Hillary Clinton, it wasn't George Soros, but it was the galaxy of scammers, charlatans and liars who deceived them and that they'd been fools to trust them.

I woulld close with this caveat: wising up after a spree is usually an inside job.

[Ilsa]

88. I get it, and I'm so sorry you had to choose to do this to

protect your sanity and health. It's not about "who they voted for," it's about about choices they make because their values are so different from yours.

[AllaN01Bear]

90. ""

[FascismIsDeath]

95. No judgement here, I don't know you. But I told MAGA family that I care about that we won't be discussing politics.

And we haven't. We still have a relationship. Same with a friend I've had since high school. We are still friends because I said its best we don't discuss politics.

I think at this point, the breaking point has hit a few of them and they aren't into it anymore... but again, we aren't really discussing it so I can only go off of a few clues that allude to that.

For me, this is the right approach and its worked. I don't think we should let someone like Trump and his uncanny ability to brainwash certain people win. Life is too short for that.

[lindalou65]

99. MAGA and family ties

First, my heart goes out to you. We are going through difficult and scary times right now. I don't understand how anyone could support Trump but I have relatives and friends who do. I haven't cut them off but I keep my distance. I do have a grandson who claimed he was voting for Trump but now he hates him; however, my grandson has become a white supremacist---thinks the USA should keep the white culture protected from other cultures/races. We have had many discussions and he won't give up trying to convince me that he is right. I have not cut him off but I keep my distance. I love him and keep hoping he will see things differently in time.
He was living with my husband and I for a while until we absolutely couldn't take it anymore and told him he had to move out. He is about an hour away so we don't have to interact very often.
I wish the best for you and all of us who see the dangers of the Trump regime.

[electric_blue68]

100. So sorry! Such a tough situation.....

After reading the replies my current thought...
is keeping a barely open crack in the door.
Maybe brief contact every few months? Telling him no politics? If he starts up again, and it's too painful you "go away" again.

The spew of racism, sexism, hatred of POC immigrants etc is so toxic; I get it!

[no_hypocrisy]

102. Your response wasn't malicious. You just had enough and needed to

be candid with him about your thoughts and feelings.

I'm sorry for your distress, but it would have been magnified if you had continued to engage with your son.

[Be The Light]

103. so sorry

He will have to figure it out for himself. That's just how it works. As soon as trump does something that effects him financially or otherwise he will only then begin to look at reality.

[FullySupportDems]

104. I'm glad you have so many good replies

I can relate to your feelings, and I'm so sorry. My mother is maga, and it's SO hard not to snap at her. With her age and health, I can't walk away. I tell you what, it really makes me second guess everything I thought I knew.

I wanted to add the thought that if we replace the word Maga with the word Nazi or KKK, your feelings won't seem so extreme. And it reminds me of what they said about the Civil War, that it divided families, brother against brother. It seems like that's where we're going. Or at least that's what Maga wants.

[Tree Lady]

105. I have a daughter who voted for him

She makes good money and just wants tax cuts, but she also pays high taxes living in CA.

She is the child I am the closest to because we hike, do yoga, wine taste and more together. We just don’t mention him ever. She told me the other day she doesn’t like him didn’t vote for him voted R.

Rest of family are democrats.

To me it’s not worth losing my daughter over.

I bet a lot of republicans feel that way.

Hopefully your son will wake up one day. My daughter used to be Democrat until current boyfriend and other managers at work got to her.

[Bettie]

106. I'm sorry

I understand why you had to do it, but it still is heartbreaking.

[mgardener]

107. I am so sorry

I had to cut ties with a beloved cousin due to COVID / Trump.
Refused to get vaccinated because ya know , but was heavy smoker and 70 +
He developed Covid, they discovered lung cancer and he died quickly.
Never had a chance to reconcile.
I don't know if we would have, but would have liked the chance to tell him how much I appreciated him when we were young.

That said.
I wonder what it was like in Nazi Germany and families. When those who could clearly see who Hitler was and what he was doing and those who supported him.
I'm sure many families were torn apart.

That said, I think we have to choose between good and evil.
I see evil when I look at Trump.

[ecstatic]

108. I'm sorry

I definitely understand your feelings. I get very very angry with maggas. However, if this is your son you probably will have to deal with him one way or another.

When the smoke clears a little, apologize, but try to slip him the information in more subtle ways going forward.

Do not allow him to trigger you!

[Seeking Serenity]

109. My son voted for Trump twice. He's no longer on the Trump train.

But before anyone gets his hopes up, he gave up on Trump and MAGA over Israel and the Iran War, and his view that Trump isn't doing enough to "clean out the institutions" (to "reverse Gramsci" the institutions as he puts it), "draining the swamp," etc. He says we need "more arrests" and things like that (I think what he saw as Pam Bondi's "not doing enough" is what started the sour taste).

He says what the country needs is a "great man of history," and that Trump’s not it. I asked him to name some examples of who he's thinking about, and he said people like Alexander the Great, Augustus, George Washington, Napoleon, and Buekele in El Salvador. (He does say that he wishes Trump was what Redditors fear he is.)

I let it go because 1) I love my baby, 2) I know what he wants isn't ever going to happen here and that it's him just blowing off steam, and 3) frankly, I depend on him. I don't know what I'd do without him.

But at least he's not talking about a Trump 3rd term.

[Polybius]

111. Why even send him the links, or bring up politics at all?

If I even suspect that someone is on the other side, I talk about other things. Maybe sports, the weather, movies, games, astronomy, etc. There are so many non-controversial things to talk about. I wouldn't like it if someone sent me Republican links, would you?

[kimbutgar]

112. Change your will and explain why you disinherited him

[Raine]

113. My cousins that l grew up with all support Trump, they know how l feel...

No sense in discussing politics, plenty of other things to talk about. What's important is we all love each other we would never let Trump drive a wedge between us.

[hueymahl]

114. You should not cut him off

Don't let Trump or politics in general cause a rift in the family. Family is more important.

[Ocelot II]

116. Family is not always more important. See #59.

[TheProle]

118. This

Trump has cost us faith in elections, trust in the press, our sense of safety. I’ll be goddamned if he’s going to cost me my relationship with my child.

[blubunyip]

115. You gave him your truth

that's the best you can do for him right now. You did what's right for you. Trying to re-educate him is useless and makes it worse. He knows how much you disagree with his views, how strongly you feel, but his brain's been hijacked. He's joined the Cult, for whatever reason, and there's nothing to do but accept that for now. I'd say the ball is in his court. Don't push. Don't try to heal anything or crowd him, or make challenging statements or ultimatums. The time has come to simply wait. patiently, quietly. Wait for him to come out of his delusion and change course. There's every chance that he will wake up one day and reconciling may be possible. Allow space for that. A support group is a good idea.

That's my advice. Know that you are not alone. Thanks for your post.

[dawn5651]

122. i am so sorry that your son has been cut off but sometimes you have to do what is right for you as the

parent. there is hope that he will see the light at some point and realize what this administration is doing to women, children, and those on social security and disability. i have a friend who has been firmly in the maga column she sent me a message telling me that she was beginning to think that there was something really wrong with krasnov and that she wasn't a supporter anymore...so there is hope for your son ....

[hamsterjill]

124. Wow, that's rough.

I understand completely. It's unfortunate when it happens, but sometimes the differences are simply too much to be able to have any kind of relationship.

I keep hoping that many of these people will come to their senses, but it hasn't happened with some of my family members yet.

[58Sunliner]

125. So sorry. It must be awful to lose him that way.

[HeartsCanHope]

127. I'm so sorry.

So many of us have had to go no contact over MAGA. You will be in my thoughts.

[summer_in_TX]

130. How very sad. So sorry you are going through that, hookaleft!

Both of my adult sons voted for Trump more than once and I've been struggling with it for a long time. We barely talk about politics. Each has five children though and that gives me extra reasons to keep the connection. I have hope that my husband and I can help influence them as they grow up.

Not all MAGAs are the same, I think. Neither of my sons is mean or rubbing things in others' faces. Both are bright, educated, hard-working, kind, polite, helpful, loving, very good dads and sons. One took it as a matter of faith that God's hand was on Trump when he survived the assassination attempt. (Barf.) He's been thoroughly conned.

The older one though has become very disillusioned with Trump's lies and wars, thank God. But he's not very willing to have a full conversation. I suspect he could tell that I couldn't stand some of those he admired, like Alex Jones.

My younger one and I are corresponding, or have been. Haven't heard back from him on what I sent him about a week ago. I don't expect to change his views but perhaps he'll listen to a few things and mull those over.

[hunter]

131. I can almost hear my crazy grandma's voice speaking from the void.

Imagine a little old bag lady, her voice gravely from decades of smoking and cheap bourbon...

Here it goes:

When it comes time to kill Nazis again I know where you live...

That would be followed by a stare that could kill a man.

I come from a family that sticks together but sometimes it can be terrifying.

Growing up I never had the sense that religion and politics were off the table for the sake of keeping the peace. I can't say much has changed.

I usually write here from the perspective of a radical environmentalist and Social Justice Catholic heretic. I guess I'm blessed to get along well with my children, my siblings and my children's cousins. But it's not always without fire.