In a recent gathering of Moms for Liberty in Washington, the group’s co-founder, Tiffany Justice, encouraged members to fiercely oppose the Democratic presidential ticket with a call to “fight like a mother.” Justice proceeded to personally endorse Republican nominee Donald Trump during an on-stage interview, followed by chants of “Trump, Trump, Trump” from the audience.
The annual event, attended by parent activists from various locations, illuminated Moms for Liberty’s increasingly evident alignment with Trump and his political platform as the upcoming election approaches. While the group officially claims nonpartisanship and advocates for parental involvement in education, their unequivocal support for Trump suggests a clear political inclination.
An unsettling painting featuring Vice President Kamala Harris kneeling over a bald eagle carcass, adorned with communist symbols and depicted with blood dripping from her mouth, was on display at the entrance security area of the conference. This imagery sparked controversy, with a Moms for Liberty spokeswoman clarifying that the official event signage only displayed the group’s logo.
The group’s fervor for Trump stands to bolster his support base among parents who share his criticisms of the Education Department, equity programs, vaccine mandates, and school policies regarding transgender students. However, it remains uncertain how Moms for Liberty’s backing of Trump will impact local school board elections, which have seen heightened contention in recent years.
While Moms for Liberty stresses non-endorsement in the presidential race, they are actively involved in national politics. The group has engaged in Project 2025, a conservative initiative, and has invested over $3 million in swing states for advertising critical of the Biden administration. This strategy aims to mobilize voters and expand the group’s influence.
Despite some successes, Moms for Liberty-endorsed candidates have faced defeats in local school board elections, indicating challenges in translating their platform to electoral victories. Experts suggest that focusing solely on policy reversals rather than offering comprehensive education plans may hinder their electoral prospects.
Instances of recall and opposition to board members aligned with Moms for Liberty have emerged across the country, reflecting a broader pushback against their policies. While supporters highlight achievements in advocacy and legislation, detractors criticize the group’s tactics as divisive and detrimental to collaborative efforts in education.
As disparate perspectives clash, grassroots activism and community engagement shape the landscape of education policy and advocacy in the United States, with groups like Moms for Liberty at the center of these debates.
