'Make America Great Again' - Who actually created Trump's popular slogan

Who was the first to say "Make America Great Again"

Although most people associate "Make America Great Again" with Donald Trump, who actively used it during his 2016 presidential campaign (and continues to use it to this day), the phrase dates back much further.

It was first used in 1980 by Ronald Reagan during his election campaign. It was then that Reagan and his team emphasized the need to restore America to its greatness, which at the time was an important message after the economic downturn of the 1970s.

Trump, running for president, revived this phrase for the first time. Moreover, he registered it as a trademark.

So, in fact, it was Reagan who began to actively use this expression, but it was Trump who made it world famous.

It is worth noting that before Reagan, Barry Goldwater, the Republican presidential candidate in the 1964 election, also often appealed to the idea of "restoring America," speaking of a return to traditional values and the country's economic strength.

The future 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover, also promoted a similar idea in the 1920s during his campaign. He did use the slogan "A Chicken in Every Pot and a Car in Every Garage," which, however, also hinted at creating greater prosperity for America. While not a direct use of "Make America Great Again," the concept of prosperity and a return to "greatness" was very similar.

Bill Clinton, during his 1992 presidential campaign, also said: "We're going to make America great again, economically great again, productive again". Although he did not use the phrase as an official slogan, it was used in his speeches, emphasizing the need for an economic revival of the United States.

Reagan's Make America Great Again slogan (photo: Wikipedia)

Why is this expression so popular

For many Americans, the slogan "Make America Great Again" remains a symbol of a certain political and social movement. There are several reasons for this.

In particular, this slogan appeals to a sense of nostalgia for "better times," even if those times are idealized. It evokes a strong emotional response among supporters and opponents.

For millions of Americans, MAGA, as the slogan is often abbreviated, has also become a symbol of their values: economic nationalism, patriotism, and the defense of traditions.

The situation on the international stage also supports MAGA's popularity. In 2025, the United States faces new global challenges, such as economic competition with China, changes in world politics, and geopolitical crises. These problems are forcing some Americans to turn to nationalism and the desire to maintain or restore the country's dominant position, which was promised through Make America Great Again.

In addition, due to its widespread use in culture, the slogan has become part of memes, music, movies, and literature. It has ceased to be merely political and has become a recognizable brand.

At the same time, the phrase "Make America Great Again" is also subject to criticism. Some people believe that MAGA evokes nostalgia for the past when social, racial, and economic inequalities were more pronounced.

After 2016, the MAGA movement was often associated with populism in the media. Critics believe that this slogan supports and reinforces the confrontation between liberal and conservative views, leading to the polarization of society.

But one of the biggest questions posed by MAGA's critics is when exactly America was "great" and how that period is defined. This idealized past is often left undefined, and different groups may have different ideas about when America was at its highest. For some, it may be the post-World War II era, while for others it may be an era when social and racial issues were ignored.

Donald Trump wearing a Make America Great Again cap in 2016 (photo: Wikipedia)

Is this slogan relevant today

Whatever the case, in 2025, the phrase "Make America Great Again" remains popular among representatives of the Republican Party and conservative political forces, who use this slogan as a symbol of the struggle for American interests in politics, economics, and culture.

It has become a part of identity for some Americans who support the ideas of economic nationalism, strict immigration control, and strengthening of traditional values.

As a reminder, Donald Trump, who won the US presidential election in November 2024, will officially take over the White House on January 20, 2025, which is the day of the inauguration of the 47th US president. Trump will be sworn in as US president at 12:00 p.m. EDT (19:00 Kyiv time), beginning his second term as the guarantor of the US Constitution.

Sources: The New York Times, National Public Radio, CNN.