Scalise has been a regular speaker at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and other venues where he frequently praises the Trump administration's policies.
Notes: CPAC has become a primary hub for MAGA political organizing.
Agent rationale
Participation in CPAC, which is heavily dominated by MAGA rhetoric, demonstrates institutional and social alignment.
Steve Scalise officially endorsed Donald Trump for President in the 2024 election, stating that Trump has a 'proven track record' of success.
Notes: The endorsement came shortly before the Iowa caucuses.
Agent rationale
Direct endorsement of the MAGA movement's leader for the presidency is a primary alignment indicator.
Scalise was a primary proponent of the Secure the Border Act of 2023, which mirrors many MAGA-era immigration policies including the construction of a border wall.
Notes: The bill passed the House but not the Senate.
Agent rationale
Border security and the wall are signature MAGA policy pillars. Scalise's leadership in passing this legislation is a strong alignment signal.
As House Majority Leader, Scalise has worked closely with the MAGA wing of the GOP to advance legislative priorities including border security (H.R. 2) and energy independence.
Notes: Scalise ascended to Majority Leader after Republicans took the House in the 2022 midterms.
Agent rationale
His role involves coordinating with the Freedom Caucus and other MAGA-aligned members to set the party's agenda.
Scalise voted against the creation of the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex.
Notes: He argued the commission was politically motivated.
Agent rationale
Opposing the investigation into the Capitol riot aligns with the MAGA movement's effort to downplay the events of that day.
Scalise consistently defended Donald Trump during both impeachment proceedings, labeling them as 'sham' processes and political witch hunts.
Notes: Scalise voted against both the first and second impeachments of Donald Trump.
Agent rationale
Vocal and legislative defense against impeachment is a standard indicator of loyalty to the MAGA leader.
On January 6, 2021, Steve Scalise voted to object to the certification of the Electoral College votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania, aligning with the MAGA movement's 'Stop the Steal' narrative regarding the 2020 election.
Notes: Scalise was one of 147 Republican lawmakers who voted against certification.
Agent rationale
Voting to overturn election results is a core high-impact MAGA alignment signal. As a member of leadership, his participation carried significant weight.
Scalise signed an amicus brief in support of a Texas lawsuit that sought to invalidate the 2020 election results in four battleground states won by Joe Biden.
Notes: The Supreme Court ultimately rejected the lawsuit.
Agent rationale
Formal legal support for efforts to overturn the 2020 election is a definitive pro-MAGA action.