The problem with Alito’s MAGA denial

Plus, Trump tries to walk back remarks suggesting Iran should 'take out' L.A. and San Diego |

VIEW IN BROWSER Thursday, Oct. 08, 2026 Today, we’re looking at Republicans' two-word trick to avoid directly criticizing Trump, Justice Alito’s dismay at being called MAGA, Democrats' new pitch ahead of midterms and more. Plus, Jen Psaki slams the corruption inside Trump’s inner circle.   Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images Republicans are using an old trick to avoid criticizing Trump. It’s not working. By Ryan Teague Beckwith With Trump’s approval ratings sagging and Republicans bracing for a rough midterm election, some in the party are reaching for an old rhetorical escape hatch: Blame the aides. In a recent interview with MS NOW, Sen. Thom Tillis said Trump has gotten bad advice on the affordability crisis. In an ad directed at Trump that aired in September, Florida Rep. María Elvira Salazar said that “some of your advisers are giving you bad advice” on immigration enforcement. And in June, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz used the same line while criticizing a potential deal with Iran. Blaming advisers has a long pedigree in American politics, but this excuse doesn’t quite work with Trump.   This is a preview of Ryan Teague Beckwith’s latest column. Read the full column here. Respond directly to Ryan Teague Beckwith’s latest column by submitting a letter to the editor through this form. Read our submission guidelines here.  Respond directly to Ryan Teague Beckwith’s latest column by submitting a letter to the editor through this form. Read our submission guidelines here.  Must Reads   Andrew Medichini / AP Photo Justice Alito doesn't like being called MAGA. That's too bad. The conservative justice told The Associated Press that being called MAGA is “offensive” to him. His rulings say otherwise, argues Hayes Brown. Read more. Democrats think they can beat Republicans with a new pitch: Washington is corrupt Democrats in competitive races are offering anti-corruption plans, betting they can win in November. Read more from Kevin Frey.  Federal judge considers indefinite reversal of White House media ban on MS NOW, CNN and Politico Judge Timothy Kelly will likely rule quickly because his order restoring access to the three national news organizations expires on Thursday. Read more from Fallon Gallagher.  Anna Lefkowitz / MS NOW; Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images; Getty Images Megyn Kelly’s cruel comments about the Cornell case remind us exactly who she is The ex-Fox News host’s rant was women-hating, plain and simple, from a woman who has leaned on her femininity when it suits her, argues Erin Gloria Ryan. Read more.    Top Videos   THE BRIEFING WITH JEN PSAKI ‘Completely nuts’: Psaki rips Trump inner circle’s corruption Watch now   WAY TOO EARLY Trump tries to walk back remarks suggesting Iran should 'take out' L.A. and San Diego Watch now   THE MOMENT WITH KATY TUR Hegseth says media tried to ‘turn’ USS Abraham Lincoln into ‘symbol of dysfunction’ Watch now   THE BRIEFING WITH JEN PSAKI Report says Guilfoyle begged for money, offered favors ahead of confirmation Watch now   More from MS NOW   In a new episode of “Main Justice,” MS NOW Legal Analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord examine the two monumental immigration cases on the Supreme Court’s docket as its new term begins. Plus, they discuss a ruling blocking the Trump administration from firing court-appointed prosecutors and break down Jack Smith’s congressional testimony. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch the full episode on YouTube. Andrew Weissmann, MS NOW legal analyst and former FBI general counsel, answers YOUR questions about today's legal news on his new weekly series, “Answers with Andrew Weissmann.” Submit your legal news questions for him to answer in a future episode. 229 West 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE