Cynical new slogan now a top MAGA 'rallying cry'

In right-wing media, one phrase that MAGA Republicans often use to justify their actions is "your rules." The Bulwark's Andrew Egger examines this phrase in an article published on April 14, arguing that it shows how deeply cynical the MAGA movement is.

"Your rules, your rules, your rules! For much of today's online right, these two words are a slogan, a rallying cry, a way of life," Egger explains. "They're a core part of the permission structure of a politics built around nothing but owning the libs. The good guys, it is suggested, have actual moral standards and codes that their godless dishonorable enemies lack, but they need not actually hold to these codes in their dealings with those enemies. In such instances, 'We're only playing by your rules.'"

Egger adds, "In theory, this is a condensed argument about double standards. In practice, it's an all-purpose excuse for pretty much anything. That was obvious this week, when we saw the apotheosis of 'your rules' thought from both the president and the vice president."

Egger goes on to describe examples of President Donad Trump and Vice President JD Vance recently using the "your rules" argument.

"On Sunday morning, (April 12)," Egger notes, "Donald Trump was asked on Fox News to defend his threat last week that 'a whole civilization will die tonight' if Iran did not capitulate to his demands — an obvious, explicit threat of genocide. 'I'm fine with it,' Trump said, insisting that the threat had 'brought (Iran) to the table.' Then, he added: 'They're allowed to say, 'Death to America.'" Your rules."

Egger continues, "Then, last night, JD Vance had this to say — again on Fox — about America's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which comes atop Iran's blockade of the Strait: 'What they have done is engage in this act of economic terrorism against the entire world — they've basically threatened any ship that's moving through the Strait of Hormuz. Well, as the president of the United States showed, two can play at that game.' Your rules."

According to Egger, MAGA's "your rules" argument gives them a "permission structure" for lowering American standards.

"We weren't always perfect in following them, but our rules helped raise America to heights no other country had ever achieved," Egger argues. "Now, the president and vice president suggest, no one can or should complain if we lower our standards to the level of the world's most lawless regimes. We're only playing by your rules."