Trump Embraces Culture Wars with Moms for Liberty at D.C. Summit

Former President Donald Trump addressed a gathering of right-wing activists on Friday night, expressing his strong support for parental rights just blocks from the White House, which he aims to reclaim. His appearance came during the “Joyful Warriors” Summit hosted by Moms for Liberty, a group that has been increasingly vocal in the culture wars.

During a “fireside chat” with Tiffany Justice, co-founder of Moms for Liberty, Trump aligned himself with the group’s agenda, criticizing schools that provide support for transgender youth and states that protect gender-affirming care. He denounced school boards, claiming they operate like “dictatorships.” Trump declared, “The parents truly love the kids,” and suggested that members of school boards do not share that sentiment, emphasizing the need to restore rights to parents.

This visit highlights the evolution of Moms for Liberty from its initial goal of electing local school board candidates to pursuing a broader national conservative agenda. The group has announced plans to invest over $3 million in pivotal battleground states as the presidential election approaches, underscoring its priority of securing a Trump victory.

While on stage, Trump praised the group’s remarkable efforts and expressed gratitude for Justice’s personal endorsement. Meanwhile, sessions at the summit covered a variety of topics, including “The History of Marxism” and “Helping Teachers Leave the Union.” Moms for Liberty describes itself as a “parental rights organization,” and its actions include advocating for the banning of certain books in schools and opposing the inclusion of LGBTQ+ identities and discussions of systemic racism in K-12 education curricula.

However, the organization has faced its share of controversies since its inception three years ago, including instances where it removed chapter chairs who were photographed with members of the Proud Boys, a far-right group connected to the January 6 Capitol riot. In 2023, the Southern Poverty Law Center categorized Moms for Liberty as “extremist” and “anti-government.” The group has ties with the right-leaning Heritage Foundation, which had a booth at the convention and is involved with the conservative Project 2025 initiative.

According to Moms for Liberty, it boasts 300 chapters and approximately 130,000 members nationwide, with around 600 attendees at the summit.

One attendee, Sarah Thomas, described the experience as an “awakening” and expressed her concern about rising grocery prices and school vaccine mandates. A mother of seven from York County, Pennsylvania, she shared that her friend brought her to the summit to promote awareness about the group and satisfy her quest for community among like-minded individuals. She reflected on the similar challenges parents face, stating, “If the other party wins, I find it very hard to think that it would be a legitimate.” It’s worth noting that numerous audits have confirmed the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election results, which she believes were flawed.

In the context of the 2024 election, experts suggest that Moms for Liberty may serve as a strategic asset for the Trump campaign, potentially helping to rally suburban women, an essential voting demographic. Justice urged attendees to “fight like a mother,” capturing the rallying spirit within the group as they mobilize for the upcoming election.

Nonetheless, the group’s controversial reputation could discourage moderate voters. Some activists present at the summit expressed cautious optimism regarding Trump’s campaign. Republican strategist Shawn Frost, who previously worked with Moms for Liberty, noted that while Trump’s participation could invigorate his existing supporters, it might not resonate with more moderate Republicans and independents.

As the November election approaches, both major political parties are ramping up efforts in critical battleground states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. A recent poll indicated that Biden leads Trump by 48% to 43% following the Democratic National Convention.

Source: USA Today