WASHINGTON – Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is set to make an appearance at the annual gathering of Moms for Liberty on Friday. Moms for Liberty is a national nonprofit organization that has been at the forefront of efforts to eliminate mentions of LGBTQ+ identity and structural racism from K-12 classrooms.

During a “fireside chat” in the nation’s capital, the former president aims to solidify support and enthusiasm among a significant portion of his base. The group boasts over 130,000 members, predominantly conservatives who share his belief that parents should have more influence in public education and oppose racial equity programs and transgender accommodations in schools.

However, Trump risks alienating moderate voters who perceive Moms for Liberty’s activism as too extreme to be endorsed by a presidential nominee.

A year ago, Moms for Liberty was seen as a rising power in conservative politics, with the potential to play a pivotal role in supporting the Republican ticket. Its membership soared after its launch in 2021 as parents protested mandatory masking and remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, recent scandals and lackluster performances in local elections have cast doubt on Moms for Liberty’s influence in conservative circles.

Trump’s association with Moms for Liberty and their support for Project 2025, a detailed playbook for the next conservative presidency, has drawn mixed reactions.

The negative perceptions surrounding Moms for Liberty could pose a challenge for Trump as he engages with co-founder Tiffany Justice at the gathering, according to political science professor Aubrey Jewett.

While rallying his base, Trump’s education proposals, including school choice, parental involvement, and funding preferences, may not be enough to counter the backlash from more moderate voters.

Trump’s rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, before heading to Washington will focus on promises of lower energy costs and criticisms of Harris, highlighting policy differences between the two candidates.

Both Trump and Harris have engaged in aggressive campaigning in Pennsylvania, setting the stage for a fiercely contested election.

As the political landscape evolves, the role of grassroots organizations like Moms for Liberty will continue to shape the dynamics of conservative politics in America.

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