From Blacklist to White-Out: MAGA’s ‘Cruel Kids’ Party Redefines Right-Wing Cool

In January 2025, influencer CJ Pearson threw an inauguration party that quickly became a cultural flashpoint, spawning countless think pieces, headlines, and hot takes about the rise of Gen Z conservatism. 

This Fourth of July weekend, Pearson returned to the spotlight to set the record straight with another event: MAGA’s summer party to remember for D.C.’s young conservatives, featuring a performance from Grammy-nominated rapper Soulja Boy. 

I attended the bash. Here’s what really happened at MAGA’s “Cruel Kids Summer” bash. 

The event, whose name is a nod to the cover of New York Magazine‘s feature article on Pearson’s inauguration party titled “The Cruel Kids Table,” was a celebration for America’s 249^th birthday and the first summer with President Donald Trump in charge in five years. 

“For far too long, conservatives have grown far too comfortable with being members of the ‘silent majority,’” Pearson said. “Those days are over. ‘Cruel Kids Summer’ was about creating a space where young conservatives could show the world we’re not just fighting for America’s future—we’re also having a damn good time doing it and there’s nothing the Left can do about it.”

Over 500 people attended “Cruel Kids Summer” at the lavish Pierce School in Washington, D.C., all of whom wore white. Notables on the guest list included political commentators Dom Lucre and Xavier DeRousseau; Alexis Wilkins, a singer; people from movement-related organizations such as PragerU, Turning Point USA, and conservative D.C. staffers and journalists. 

“We’re showing the world that we are loud and proud,” said Macy Gunnell, attendee and press secretary of the College Republicans of America. “Unlike our miserable left-wing Gen-Z colleagues who only know how to dye their hair ugly colors and complain about America, we love our country. We will never let anyone silence our patriotism.”

The white-out theme was yet another tongue-in-cheek nod to the New York Magazine cover that infamously cropped out all people of color for the cover photo, garnering significant backlash. 

“They accused us of having an ‘all-white’ party,” Pearson told attendees from atop a golden staircase. “They said there were no black people in the building. When the liberal media writes a hit piece about you, you think to yourself, ‘Maybe I should just do the damn thing.’ So, they accused me of throwing an ‘all-white’ party. But today, we threw an all-white party.”

Pearson, a Daily Signal contributor, is no stranger to spotlight, as he first broke into the conservative movement at 8 years old for blogging in support of local conservative politicians in his home state of Georgia. Fourteen years later, Pearson is a content creator and co-chair of the Republican National Committee Youth Advisory Council. He was also recently named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Creators of 2025. 

When guests walked into his party, they were gifted with a white hat with gold embroidery that reads “Make America Party Again.” And upon entering the main event area, they immediately stepped onto a red-carpet walkway—a perfect opportunity to show off their new swag. 

It’s important to note how perfectly “Instagrammable” the entire event was—from the ornate aesthetics of the venue, the quirky decor, the dress code that made for a fashion show, and even a roundtable of DJT’s favorite fast food, McDonald’s. 

“It looked nothing like the media’s caricature of conservatism,” Pearson explained. “We had fashion, energy, culture and a crowd that was as diverse as it was unapologetically America First. People are shocked to learn that the movement is full of artists, DJs, creators, and influencers who love their country but hate being boring.” 

The biggest draw of the event was the heading act, Soulja Boy, whose music is instantly recognizable to any millennial or Gen-Zer for being party staples. You may recognize him from his hits “Kiss Me Thru the Phone,” “Crank That,” or “Turn My Swag On,” to name a few. 

“The energy was amazing, the crowd was engaged, and the hospitality was top-tier,” Soulja Boy told The Daily Signal.

Soulja Boy is not, however, outwardly political in the slightest. So, I asked Pearson the question, I’m sure, was on many people’s mind: “How on earth did you book Soulja Boy?” 

“We said we were throwing the most iconic conservative party of the summer, and he said: ‘Bet,’” Pearson replied. “The truth is, when culture meets confidence, artists take notice. And when we throw events, they’re not ‘political parties.’ They’re just parties, period. Bringing like-minded people together who love their country, love our president, and are fighting like hell to keep America great, with a vibe no one else is bringing right now.” 

You can debate when exactly young conservatives stopped hiding their politics—Trump’s near-assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania; his 2024 victory; or even before that—but one thing is clear: The energy behind the young MAGA movement is palpable. Our politics are not just about policy. It’s about lifestyle, aesthetics, and redefining the image of the Right. 

Trump has vastly broadened the scope of who the conservative coalition is made of—and these “cruel kids” are claiming their seat at the table. 

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