Since 2016, I’ve been in countless debates with Trump supporters. Almost daily, I’ve been on Facebook or having conversations with friends and family about MAGA, Donald Trump, and what’s happening in this country. And you know what? It hasn’t been easy.

I remember the very first time I posted something critical of Trump. Almost immediately, someone I know posted a meme in response. It was about gun statistics—no source, no context, just numbers that didn’t add up. So, I did what I always do: I checked the facts. And, surprise, the numbers were wrong. When I pointed this out, he didn’t care. It wasn’t about the facts for him; it was about winning the argument.

And that moment? That’s what it’s been like for the past 10 years.

Here’s what I’ve noticed. MAGA supporters make big claims about the election being stolen, about COVID being a hoax, about climate change not being real but when I ask for evidence, it’s like pulling teeth. Most of the time, they say something like, “Do your own research,” or, “You can’t trust the media.” And when they do provide something, it’s usually a meme, a blog, or some random YouTube video with zero credibility.

Look, I’m not saying I’m perfect. I’m not saying I can’t be wrong. But when I post something, I do my homework. I check my sources. I back up what I say. And I’m more than willing to change my mind if someone shows me evidence that proves I’m wrong. The problem is, that almost never happens.

And it’s frustrating. Because this isn’t just about me. It’s about how we, as a country, talk to each other or how we don’t.

Take all the conspiracy theories that have come out of the MAGA movement over the years. Birtherism. Pizzagate. QAnon. The idea that the 2020 election was stolen. The claim that vaccines have microchips in them. None of it has been proven true. But millions of people believe it anyway. And when you challenge them on it, they just double down.

I’ve seen it time and time again. I’ll post something with a source, with data, and the conversation always goes the same way. First, a MAGA supporter tells me I’m wrong. Fine, maybe I am. Show me why. Then, when I ask for evidence, they either disappear or change the subject. And if I press them, they call me names or accuse me of having “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

It’s exhausting.

But here’s the thing: I don’t bring this up to attack anyone. I bring it up because I think we’re better than this. I think we all, no matter which party we support, want the same basic things. We want a country where the truth matters, where we can trust our leaders, and where we can have honest conversations without resorting to lies, conspiracy theories, violence or vandalism. 

Why? Because I’m tired of the endless back-and-forth. I want to get to the truth. And if I’m wrong, I’ll admit it. I’ll apologize. I’ll change my mind. But if you can’t prove me wrong, maybe it’s time to admit that you’ve been sold a lie.

I know this is a tough conversation to have. It’s uncomfortable. But we can’t keep avoiding it. Because at the end of the day, the truth matters. Facts matter. And if we can’t agree on what’s real, how are we supposed to move forward as a country?

So let’s have this conversation; not to win an argument, but to find the truth. Deal?