“Less Dogs, Less Fleas”: People Who’ve Cut Off MAGA Family Members Are Sharing What Finally Made Them Do It

9.

“After spending the 2024 holidays with my MAGA-loving family, I realized I was done with the extended family. My parents were generally quiet about their politics, but I know they voted for him, too, and I found a way to work past it. After the inauguration, my best friend of 37 years called and started praising the jerk, even though she knew my feelings about him. I cut her off, too. I can’t accept anyone justifying their behavior, especially from people who don’t claim to be devout Christians. I needed to distance myself further, so I moved to a very liberal area about an hour and a half away. Things didn’t feel as scary around people who were also terrified of the situation. Eight months later, my dad passed away, and I knew I would have to be around all of them, which was far too much. I ignored them all, kept my head down, and even left and drove around in circles when I knew they were coming over.”

“I was grieving enough without having to take the fake sympathy from family who actively voted against my rights, believed I was going to hell, but of course still ‘loved me more than anything.’

I needed my family more than ever, and even now, in the months after, but I feel like I don’t even know who they are anymore. Honestly, I feel as if I’m better off without them. This administration takes pride in causing harm, outright killing innocent people, and spewing hate with every breath. I don’t need people in my life who feel like that’s the best thing for this country.”

—Anonymous, 40, Male, North Carolina