Moms for Liberty Embraces Trump, Expands Role in National Politics Ahead of Election

During the annual gathering of Moms for Liberty in Washington, co-founder Tiffany Justice rallied attendees to “fight like a mother” against the Democratic presidential ticket. This event saw her formally endorse Republican nominee Donald Trump following a lively discussion featuring audience chants of his name.

The gathering, which attracted parent activists from across the nation, highlighted the organization’s growing alignment with Trump’s messaging as the November elections approach. Although Moms for Liberty positions itself as a nonpartisan nonprofit advocating for parental involvement in education, its political leanings have become increasingly evident.

Visual elements at the event included a controversial painting depicting Vice President Kamala Harris in a grim and unsettling portrayal, which had not garnered attention from the group’s representatives. The only official signage for the event prominently displayed the Moms for Liberty logo.

Trump’s support from Moms for Liberty is poised to strengthen his backing among parents who share his sentiments regarding what they consider an oversized and inefficient U.S. Education Department. Many within the group believe that current equity programs divert focus from core academic subjects, while vaccine mandates infringe on parental rights and policies concerning transgender students jeopardize the welfare of their peers.

However, the implications of Moms for Liberty’s endorsement of Trump on local school board elections remain ambiguous. Since the organization’s inception, school board races have become increasingly contentious, with many communities expressing dissatisfaction over the group’s emphasis on book bans and scrutiny of race-related lessons, as well as their stance on LGBTQ+ issues. This focus has spurned a counter-movement among moderate and liberal parents, as well as teachers’ unions, seeking different educational priorities.

While Moms for Liberty has refrained from officially endorsing a candidate in the presidential race, it has become increasingly involved in national politics. The founders issued a warning to parents that the Biden administration’s leadership could represent the “most anti-parent, extremist government” in American history.

In its first three years, Moms for Liberty became recognized for championing the “parents’ rights” movement at the local level but has since expanded its scope. The group has participated in the conservative initiative Project 2025 and has allocated over $3 million in crucial swing states. This funding has been directed towards advertising critical of the Biden administration in states such as Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.

Justice noted that the advertising efforts have catalyzed membership growth in these states and re-energized previously apathetic members to engage politically, including registering to vote.

She expressed optimism about recent trends in local elections, especially in Florida, where 60% of Moms for Liberty-backed candidates progressed to the general election. Nonetheless, notable defeats have occurred, including in traditionally Republican areas like Sarasota and Pinellas counties, raising questions about the group’s overall election strategy after a disappointing win rate in the past year.

Experts have suggested that parents’ rights candidates may be losing because their focus is primarily on dismantling existing policies rather than proposing solutions for educational challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. They face opponents who are offering constructive, localized plans designed to foster improvement in schools.

Across the country, several school board members allied with Moms for Liberty have faced recalls prompted by community dissatisfaction with their policies. Noteworthy incidents unfolded in California, where a board member was removed following controversial statements regarding transgender youth, and another trustee faced backlash for rejecting a curriculum that included LGBTQ+ history.

In Idaho, conservative members of a school board were removed amid a community uprising responding to attempts to eliminate critical race theory and implement a conservative agenda.

Katie Blaxberg, a candidate in Pinellas County, criticized the divisive nature of Moms for Liberty, emphasizing that such an approach does not facilitate productive dialogue or collaboration.

Yet among supporters attending the Moms for Liberty summit, perspectives varied. For instance, Gretchen Schmid from Orange County, North Carolina, shared her chapter’s success in advocating for a parents’ bill of rights, illustrating the group’s influence in certain legislatures.

As the summit continued, participants took to the streets to express support for children’s issues, particularly in the realm of sports, further showcasing the group’s broader political ambitions. Simultaneously, opposition groups organized events promoting inclusivity and lifting the restrictions imposed by those aligned with Moms for Liberty.

Amid contrasting rallies, community members involved in counter-initiatives underscored their commitment to fostering an environment where all children can thrive and access a diverse range of literary and educational materials.

Source: AP