The Return of the American-Made Man

As The Daily Wire’s Michael Knowles recently highlighted, a pivotal shift has occurred in America. Men have stepped up, making their voices heard in a resounding way that reverberates throughout the nation. This moment is more than a political phenomenon—it is a cultural and spiritual awakening that touches on the core of what it means to be a man.

I write this as someone who deeply believes in personal and professional accountability and the biblical principles of manhood. These principles—righteousness, meekness, faith, charity, mercy and grace among many others—are not outdated ideals but timeless truths that guide a fulfilling life and strong leadership. The resurgence of these values gives me hope for the future of our nation.  And the return of Donald Trump’s strong leadership example (despite his parallels to King David and his general brokenness that I fully accept), as well as the media responding to what most of us have screamed from the rooftops for 16 years makes the future a little brighter.

In a segment on CBS Mornings, Knowles delved into the role men played in the 2024 election, shedding light on their overwhelming support for President-elect Donald Trump. He described this as a defining moment for masculinity in America. The underlying message was clear: Men are reclaiming their place in society, pushing back against narratives that have long sought to redefine traditional values.

The Role of Masculinity in Modern America

Masculinity, as Knowles emphasized, is not toxic. It is a precious gift and responsibility. However, the past few decades have seen relentless attempts to undermine and reshape the concept of manhood. From the rise of terms like “toxic masculinity” to cultural shifts that vilify traditional male traits such as strength, decisiveness, and leadership, the American male has faced an identity crisis.

But something changed in 2024. Men—and the women who support them—decided they’d had enough. Knowles’ commentary points to a broader cultural sentiment:

the desire to return to a society where men are allowed to be men, and women are allowed to embrace femininity without societal scorn. “Women don’t want girly men,” Knowles remarked. “Women want men to be like men.”

This statement is a timeless truth that no amount of politics or culture can unseat: men and women enjoy a beautiful harmony; differences that should not be equitable, but celebrated for our differences, in the same way that the liftist mob has touted diversity’s completely unproven benefits, men and women work together not in spite of our differences, but BECAUSE of our differences.

The Political Shift

The election results tell a story of disillusionment with policies and narratives that have alienated men. From job losses in traditionally male-dominated industries to the cultural denigration of fatherhood, men saw in Trump’s campaign a promise of restoration. Trump’s message wasn’t just about economic growth; it was about dignity. It was about bringing back the era when a man’s work was his pride and his family’s security was his mission.

Unlike his opponents, Trump’s appeal to male voters was direct and unapologetic. He recognized their struggles and validated their frustrations. His speeches often celebrated the working man, the entrepreneur, the father, and the protector. These were not hollow political platitudes; they were a recognition of the sacrifices men make daily for their families and communities.

A Rejection of the New Male Archetype

Contrasting Trump’s message were figures like Doug Emhoff and former President Barack Obama, who leaned into critiques of traditional masculinity. Their rhetoric often framed masculinity as problematic, emphasizing the need for men to become more “in touch with their emotions” or “humble in their leadership.” While there is merit in emotional intelligence and humility, the broader narrative often felt like a rejection of what many men hold dear.  Please don’t tell me that Doug Emhoff or Tim Walz is what a man should look like; it’s not.

Tim Walz specifically, with regards to his truly shameful historical editing of history.  Men are supposed to learn early on that these little lies compound; that merit and the things we do are important.  If we edit our history and lie about it, it’s not endearing, it’s ghoulish.  I really resent that one both as a veteran and a father.  

The election results reveal that this approach missed the mark. As Knowles pointed out, these efforts to redefine manhood alienated a significant portion of the male population. Men didn’t feel seen or respected; they felt dismissed and chastised. The backlash was inevitable. “It’s no wonder [the Left] turned men away,” Knowles noted. “What men want and what women want, for that matter, is just to return to a kind of normal society where we can have our traditional way of life.”

Traditional Values Resurface

This desire for normalcy goes beyond politics. It’s about community, family, and faith. Men and women alike are yearning for a return to foundational values—values that built this nation. The American-made man embodies these principles: hard work, integrity, self-sacrifice, and a sense of duty.

I see these values not just in my own life but in the lives of men I deeply respect. These are the fathers who rise early to provide for their families, the husbands who cherish and protect their wives, and the mentors who invest in the next generation. These are the unsung heroes of our society, quietly shaping the future through their steadfast commitment to what is right.

Masculinity in the Church

One area where this shift is particularly evident is within the church. For years, churches have struggled to engage men, with many congregations skewing heavily female. This imbalance has often been attributed to a cultural perception that Christianity is “a religion for women and children.” But that’s changing.

Men are returning to church, drawn by pastors who preach messages of strength, accountability, and leadership. They’re finding that faith is not a sign of weakness but a source of power. The Bible is full of examples of strong men who led with courage and conviction: David, Joshua, Peter, and Paul. These men were warriors, builders, and visionaries—not meek bystanders.

As churches embrace this perspective, they’re seeing a revival of male engagement. Men are stepping up to lead their families spiritually, to serve their communities, and to model godly character. This aligns perfectly with the broader cultural resurgence of traditional masculinity.

Celebrating the American-Made Man

It’s time to celebrate the American-made man. This isn’t about nostalgia for a bygone era; it’s about recognizing the enduring value of qualities that have stood the test of time. Strength, courage, and responsibility are not relics of the past; they are the building blocks of a thriving future.

I see this celebration in the renewed emphasis on trades and skilled labor. Young men are rediscovering the satisfaction of building something with their hands, of mastering a craft, of providing for their families through honest work. Organizations that support apprenticeships and vocational training are flourishing, providing a pathway for men to reclaim their roles as providers and innovators.

We also see it in the rise of male mentorship programs. Older men are stepping up to guide the next generation, sharing their wisdom and experience. These relationships are transformative, instilling confidence and character in young men who might otherwise feel adrift in a culture that often neglects their needs.  Despite the images on this post, we’re not talking about manliness as hollywood describes it, or common tropes about men being big dumb lazy oafs, absent or aloof fathers or doormat politicians’ husbands.  We’re talking about God-fearing men who are unafraid to do what needs to be done.

The Road Ahead

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the return of the American-made man is just beginning. There is much work to be done. The cultural battles over gender, family, and values will not be won overnight. But the momentum is undeniable, and we can only maintain it inasmuch as we can never take our collective feet off the gas.  Join your church’s mens group.  Volunteer with Mentor Me Ministries.  Or just spend the time with your kids, making sure to TEACH and TRAIN in the ways of the world, with love, gentleness and strength.

As someone who believes deeply in these principles, I am encouraged by the direction we’re heading. I’m also grateful to platforms like KLZ Radio, which provide a space to discuss these critical issues and amplify voices like Michael Knowles, Megyn Kelly and President Donald Trump. The conversations happening on the airwaves are shaping the cultural landscape, reminding us of who we are and what we stand for.

Let’s embrace this moment as a turning point. Let’s encourage our sons, brothers, fathers, and friends to step into their God-given roles with confidence and courage. And let’s celebrate the American-made man—not as a relic of the past, but as a beacon of hope for the future.