Sell the Steal: How Michael Flynn built a business and MAGA following out of election denialism

 

Sell the Steal: How Michael Flynn Built a Business and MAGA Following Out of Election Denialism

Michael Flynn, former National Security Advisor and retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, has become a central figure in American political discourse following the 2020 presidential election. Once a respected military officer and a key member of the Trump administration, Flynn’s journey from a government official to a prominent figure in the "Stop the Steal" movement has raised many eyebrows. Since his pardon by Donald Trump in late 2020, Flynn has leveraged his military background, reputation, and support from right-wing circles to become a high-profile influencer in the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement. Central to his newfound popularity is his fervent promotion of election denialism, which has been a profitable endeavor for him, turning political outrage into a business.

Background: A Rise and Fall

Flynn's military career was distinguished, rising to the rank of lieutenant general and serving as the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) under President Obama. However, his career faced controversy, leading to his dismissal from the DIA in 2014 due to reported management issues and clashes over his leadership style. Flynn’s loyalty to Donald Trump saw him appointed as National Security Advisor after the 2016 election, but his tenure was short-lived—lasting only 24 days—due to allegations of misleading Vice President Mike Pence about his communications with a Russian diplomat.

After his resignation, Flynn faced legal battles over charges of lying to the FBI, which he initially admitted before retracting his plea. These charges became a rallying cry for Trump supporters, who viewed Flynn as a victim of the "deep state." In late 2020, Trump pardoned Flynn, ending his legal troubles and giving him the freedom to pursue new endeavors, a turning point that set the stage for Flynn's role in election denialism.

The Pivot to Election Denialism

The 2020 U.S. presidential election, which resulted in Joe Biden's victory, sparked a wave of claims from Trump supporters that the election was rigged. Flynn quickly became a leading voice in this movement, asserting that the election was stolen and calling for drastic measures, including military intervention and the invocation of martial law. Flynn’s statements became some of the most extreme of the “Stop the Steal” rhetoric, often making headlines for their brazenness.

Flynn’s pivot to election denialism didn't just draw attention—it became a profitable venture. He began participating in rallies, speaking engagements, and media appearances, all of which attracted significant fees and donations. Flynn's association with groups and personalities championing the election fraud narrative grew, leading to an intricate web of relationships and a sprawling influence within the MAGA movement.

Monetizing the Movement

Flynn’s role in the election denialism ecosystem has been multifaceted. Key to his strategy has been the transformation of his personal brand into a business, capitalizing on the demand for content, speaking events, and merchandise. Flynn has tapped into a lucrative market of disaffected conservatives and conspiracy enthusiasts who see him as a truth-teller and a patriotic leader fighting against a corrupt establishment.

1. Speaking Tours: One of Flynn's primary business ventures has been a series of nationwide speaking tours, often branded under the banner of “ReAwaken America.” These tours have attracted significant crowds, with attendees paying for tickets, merchandise, and VIP access to hear Flynn and other prominent figures speak. These events typically feature a blend of political commentary, religious themes, and apocalyptic warnings, turning political activism into a form of entertainment.

2. Media Appearances: Flynn's frequent appearances on conservative media platforms—especially on far-right outlets like OAN (One America News), Newsmax, and fringe podcasts—have further elevated his profile. These platforms provide Flynn with a friendly audience and a megaphone to spread his message, often combining political commentary with advertising and sponsorship deals.

3. Social Media and Online Influence: Despite being banned from mainstream platforms like Twitter, Flynn has maintained a significant online presence through alternative platforms like Telegram, Gab, and Rumble. These platforms have allowed him to cultivate a dedicated following and monetize his content through ads, donations, and premium memberships.

4. Merchandise and Donations: Flynn has also monetized his brand through merchandise sales, ranging from T-shirts and hats to books and memorabilia celebrating his role in the MAGA movement. Additionally, he has solicited donations from supporters, positioning himself as a defender of conservative values, often framing his battles as those of a common man fighting against a tyrannical establishment.

The Cultivation of a Loyal Following

Flynn’s messaging has gone beyond traditional conservative talking points, often mixing politics with religious and apocalyptic themes. This blend has appealed to a segment of Americans who see the world through the lens of a cosmic battle between good and evil, with Flynn positioning himself as a defender of Christian values and a soldier in the fight against a godless global elite.

One of the defining characteristics of Flynn’s following is its devotion. Supporters view Flynn as a martyr who sacrificed his career for the truth, and his military background has given him credibility as a patriot. His messaging resonates particularly well with those who see the 2020 election as a decisive moment in American history, one that required radical action to defend the nation. By adopting this narrative, Flynn has transformed his story from one of disgrace in Washington to that of a hero in the eyes of his followers.

Alliance with Other Key Figures in the MAGA Movement

Flynn’s rise within the MAGA movement has not been in isolation; he has forged alliances with other key figures who share his views. His association with individuals like Sidney Powell, Lin Wood, and Mike Lindell (the MyPillow CEO) has further solidified his standing in the movement. Together, these figures have promoted a wide array of conspiracy theories, from QAnon-related beliefs to false claims of international interference in the 2020 election.

Flynn's partnership with these individuals has been a mutually beneficial arrangement. Each brings their own following, creating a network effect that amplifies their collective message. This collaboration has not only bolstered Flynn’s prominence but also contributed to the overall financial success of the "Stop the Steal" movement. Conferences, rallies, and fundraising campaigns tied to these figures have generated millions in revenue, with Flynn often serving as a headliner.

Legal Troubles and Controversies

Flynn's involvement in election denialism has not come without consequences. He has faced scrutiny and legal challenges over his involvement in the promotion of false election claims. Investigations have looked into Flynn’s role in events like the January 6th Capitol riot, although he has denied any involvement in inciting the violence. These legal challenges, however, have often been portrayed by Flynn as further evidence of his persecution, solidifying his status as a martyr within his base.

Flynn's controversies extend beyond election-related issues. His appearances at events organized by conspiracy theorists and his promotion of fringe theories have drawn criticism, even from some within the conservative movement. Despite this, Flynn has remained a significant figure, continuing to draw crowds and command loyalty from a segment of the MAGA base.

The Impact and Legacy of Flynn’s Election Denialism

Flynn’s foray into election denialism has had a lasting impact on American politics. His efforts have helped to cement a narrative that the 2020 election was stolen, a belief that continues to be held by a substantial portion of Republican voters. This narrative has eroded trust in electoral systems and deepened political divisions in the country, contributing to the rise of election-related laws and measures in several states.

Furthermore, Flynn’s business model—combining political activism with entertainment and financial incentives—has become a template for other figures in the MAGA ecosystem. His success demonstrates how election denialism and conspiracy theories can be not only politically influential but also highly profitable. The combination of personal branding, media appearances, and merchandise has created a new kind of political entrepreneur, one who operates outside traditional party structures.

Conclusion

Michael Flynn's post-2020 election career is a striking example of how political figures can pivot from public service to populist activism, leveraging outrage and controversy into a lucrative business. Flynn’s transformation from a disgraced government official to a central figure in the MAGA movement underscores the power of narratives in American politics and the role of media in shaping public perception. His story is one of reinvention, where personal and political controversies have been recast as a struggle for freedom and truth, with a devoted following that sees him as a leader in a critical time for the nation.

Flynn’s actions have had far-reaching consequences, contributing to ongoing debates about election integrity, media influence, and the future of American democracy. While his role in the 2020 election and its aftermath has drawn sharp criticism, it has also cemented his place as a powerful, if polarizing, figure in the right-wing political landscape. Whether seen as a patriot or a provocateur, Michael Flynn’s impact on American politics—and his business model built around election denialism—is undeniable.