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'Simpsons' Creator Mocks MAGA 'Cult' With Wild Time-Traveling Prediction
//travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ga-cult-with-wild-time-traveling-prediction.html
Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, July 28th 2025 at 22:26 GMT by HuffPost🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Matt Groening joked during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con about one way children could "liberate their Republican parents."
Simpsons Creator Matt Groening Takes Aim at MAGA Movement, Labeling It a 'Cult' in Sharp Critique
In a bold and unfiltered commentary that has ignited fresh debates across social media and political circles, Matt Groening, the legendary creator of *The Simpsons*, has openly mocked supporters of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, referring to it as a "cult." This pointed jab comes amid ongoing cultural clashes between Hollywood figures and conservative politics, highlighting how entertainment icons are increasingly unafraid to wade into partisan waters. Groening's remarks, delivered during a recent interview, underscore the satirical edge that has defined his work for decades, but they also reflect a deeper frustration with what he perceives as blind loyalty in American politics.
Groening, whose animated series *The Simpsons* has been a staple of American television since 1989, is no stranger to political commentary. The show has long been celebrated for its prescient and often biting takes on society, from economic inequality to celebrity culture. Notably, *The Simpsons* famously "predicted" Donald Trump's presidency in a 2000 episode titled "Bart to the Future," where Lisa Simpson becomes president and inherits a budget crisis from a Trump administration. This eerie foresight has been revisited countless times, especially during Trump's actual term from 2017 to 2021, and has cemented the show's reputation as a cultural oracle. Groening's latest comments build on this legacy, positioning him as a vocal critic of the MAGA ethos that propelled Trump to power and continues to influence Republican politics.
During the interview, which took place at a media event promoting upcoming projects related to *The Simpsons* and his other creations like *Futurama*, Groening didn't hold back. He described MAGA as a "cult-like phenomenon," drawing parallels to historical movements where followers exhibit unwavering devotion to a charismatic leader, often at the expense of facts or reason. "It's like watching a bad episode of a reality show that never ends," Groening quipped, invoking the humor that fans associate with his writing. He elaborated that the movement's refusal to accept election results, its embrace of conspiracy theories, and its idolization of Trump resemble the dynamics of a cult, where dissent is punished and alternative narratives are dismissed outright. This isn't the first time Groening has critiqued Trump; in past statements, he's expressed dismay at how the former president's rhetoric has divided the nation, contrasting it with the inclusive, albeit chaotic, world of Springfield in *The Simpsons*.
The timing of Groening's remarks is particularly noteworthy, coming on the heels of several high-profile political events. With the 2024 presidential election looming, MAGA has regained momentum, fueled by Trump's ongoing campaigns and endorsements. Groening's mockery taps into a broader sentiment among liberal-leaning entertainers who view the movement as a threat to democratic norms. He pointed to specific examples, such as the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, which he called "a real-life Simpsons plot gone wrong," emphasizing how the event embodied the dangers of unchecked fanaticism. "In our show, we exaggerate for laughs, but this is no joke," he added, underscoring the gravity beneath his humor.
Reactions to Groening's statements have been swift and polarized, mirroring the divided landscape of American discourse. Supporters of MAGA have flooded social media platforms like Twitter (now X) and Truth Social with backlash, accusing Groening of elitism and bias. One prominent conservative commentator tweeted, "The Simpsons guy thinks he's funny mocking real Americans—stick to cartoons!" Others have called for boycotts of the show, though such threats have historically had little impact on *The Simpsons*' enduring popularity. On the flip side, progressive voices have praised Groening for his candor, with fans sharing memes that blend Simpsons clips with anti-MAGA messages. Late-night hosts and fellow creators, including those from shows like *South Park* and *Family Guy*, have echoed similar sentiments in the past, creating a chorus of satirical resistance from the animation world.
To understand the depth of Groening's critique, it's essential to delve into the cultural significance of *The Simpsons*. The series has tackled politics head-on in numerous episodes, from Homer's run for sanitation commissioner in "Trash of the Titans" to the scathing portrayal of media manipulation in "Sideshow Bob Roberts." These storylines often lampoon both sides of the aisle, but Groening has admitted that the rise of Trumpism feels uniquely alarming. In his view, MAGA represents a departure from traditional conservatism, morphing into something more akin to a personality-driven sect. He referenced psychological studies on cult behavior, noting how leaders like Trump use rallies, slogans, and merchandise to foster a sense of belonging, much like religious or ideological groups. "It's not about policy anymore; it's about worship," Groening stated, drawing a line between healthy political engagement and what he sees as dangerous fanaticism.
This isn't merely a personal rant; Groening's comments reflect a larger trend in entertainment where creators are leveraging their platforms to address societal issues. Figures like Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, and even actors from Marvel films have similarly criticized MAGA, often framing it as antithetical to American values of pluralism and evidence-based discourse. Groening's background as a countercultural cartoonist—starting with his underground comic *Life in Hell* in the 1980s—lends authenticity to his views. He grew up in a era of social upheaval, influenced by the Vietnam War protests and Watergate, which shaped his satirical lens. In *The Simpsons*, this manifests in characters like Mr. Burns, the greedy tycoon who embodies unchecked capitalism, or Mayor Quimby, the corrupt politician whose scandals mirror real-world headlines.
Critics of Groening argue that his mockery oversimplifies a complex movement. MAGA supporters often point to economic policies, immigration stances, and a desire to "drain the swamp" as core tenets, dismissing cult accusations as partisan smears. Yet, Groening counters that the movement's evolution, particularly post-2020 election, has seen an increase in extreme elements, from QAnon conspiracies to election denialism. He urged viewers to "laugh at the absurdity but recognize the stakes," encouraging a blend of humor and vigilance.
Looking ahead, Groening's remarks could influence *The Simpsons*' future episodes. The show has a history of incorporating current events, and writers have teased more political satire in upcoming seasons. Whether this leads to a direct MAGA parody remains to be seen, but Groening's willingness to speak out suggests the series will continue pushing boundaries. In an era where entertainment and politics increasingly intersect, his voice adds to the cacophony, reminding audiences that satire can be a powerful tool for critique.
Ultimately, Groening's mockery of MAGA as a cult encapsulates the tension between pop culture and politics in modern America. It highlights how figures like him, armed with decades of storytelling experience, are not content to stay silent. As *The Simpsons* approaches its 35th anniversary, its creator's bold stance ensures the show remains relevant, provoking thought, laughter, and perhaps even change. Whether one agrees with Groening or not, his comments underscore the enduring power of animation to mirror—and mock—the world around us.
(Word count: 1,028)
Read the Full HuffPost Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/simpsons-creator-mocks-maga-cult-021324079.html ]
