Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily.

On one abnormally warm February morning this year, a long-aspiring Trumpworld star entered the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Union, New Jersey, with the smooth, self-aware glide of someone who knew he was being watched—and knew exactly what he wanted those watching to see.

The hall was bright and unassuming, with large fluorescent lights, military memorabilia, and a kid selling homemade jewelry. It might as well have been hosting a PTA fundraiser. But once the guest of honor walked in, it transformed into something like a small convention for aspirants of the MAGA lifestyle. There were men in leather jackets, women in bedazzled red hats, young guys in ill-fitti

See Full Page