Devolution Power Hour Ep. 407: Purity Tests, Psyops & the MAGA Identity Crisis

Jon Herold and Chris Paul return for a fiery Saturday edition of Devolution Power Hour, diving straight into the political chaos of the week, starting with Trump’s explosive public break with Marjorie Taylor Greene. The hosts dissect the sudden feud, the emotional overreactions online, and the wave of “purity tests” sweeping MAGA as social-media influencers attempt to excommunicate anyone who expresses disagreement or nuance.

Jon and Chris tackle the questionable “Epstein files,” the suspicious timing of their release, and why both independent media and state media seem invested in pushing obviously absurd narratives. They explore the psychological operations embedded in political drama, the unhealthy emotional attachment many have to public figures, and the broader clown-world dynamics shaping public perception.

From Media Matters hit pieces to NPR smear jobs, Chinese student headlines to H1B panic, Trump’s conflicting messaging, MTG’s media tour, and the general unreality of modern political news, this episode unpacks the absurdity with humor, clarity, and sharp analysis.

A wild, insightful ride through misinformation, manipulation, and the fight to maintain sanity in a world addicted to outrage.