A few days ago, actor Eduardo Verástegui was involved in a new controversy: during the meeting of arch-conservatives at CPAC in Washington, he extended his arm in what some interpreted as a Nazi salute. Although he denied it, the truth is that his gesture coincided with similar gestures by Steve Bannon, Donald Trump’s former strategist, and by the magnate Elon Musk, now in charge of dismantling the American bureaucracy. Coincidence? A new code of communication among the extreme right?
The episode highlights the consolidation of an ideological current that combines the nationalism of Make America Great Again (MAGA) with conservative Catholicism and the strong activism of evangelicals, a fusion that has a powerful influence in the United States and seeks to influence Mexico. The repetition of gestures associated with authoritarian regimes reinforces the identity and cohesion of this movement.
Donald Trump’s return to power has strengthened this movement. His government includes several Catholics who hold nationalist positions, such as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who defend their boss’s protectionist and immigration measures. Outside his government, individuals like Bannon continue to promote a vision of cultural and religious confrontation against what they consider globalism and secularization.
However, this current faces opposition within the Church itself. Pope Francis has been a constant critic of MAGA discourse, emphasizing issues such as the protection of migrants, climate change, and social inclusion. His stance has distanced him from the more conservative sectors of the American Church that support Trump’s policies.
In Mexico, this ideology has found a promoter through CPAC Mexico, organized by Verástegui. Since 2022, this event has brought together figures from the international far right seeking to position a discourse similar to that of MAGA in our country. Despite his activism, Verástegui has failed in his attempt to consolidate himself politically. Her ties to Trumpism are an obstacle in a country where the relationship with the US is marked by mistrust, and even more so now, when Trump, if he imposes his tariffs, will lead Mexico into an economic recession.
Catholicism remains a dominant cultural force in Mexico, but the Catholic majority does not identify with MAGA. The broad popular support for President Claudia Sheinbaum indicates that Mexicans are not generally adopting the ultraconservative positions promoted by Verástegui and other sectors aligned with the American right.
MAGA’s discourse finds echo in certain conservative sectors, especially within the PAN and religious groups that share its moral and political vision. However, it is difficult for it to adapt its message to the Mexican reality, where economic and social concerns differ from those in the US.
Given the popularity of the president, it is difficult for the ultraconservative movement led by Verástegui to become, for now, a real force within Mexico. Most likely it is just a passing phenomenon influenced by the vagaries of American politics.
Source: eleconomista
