It is a common observation among conservative pundits that parts of Trump’s platform diverge wildly from orthodox Republican ideology. It’s true, but irrelevant; Trump’s ideas make out a perfectly coherent whole, but one that finds its inspiration in a completely different source than the National Review.
Trump takes the following positions:
- Build a wall around the country to keep out immigrants;
- Increase the size of the military to deter any possible threats to the homeland, and then disengage from the world;
- Impose tariffs on most, or even all, of our trading partners in the hope of regaining jobs and boosting wages;
- Maintain existing levels of social spending;
- Increase spending on infrastructure; and
- Support business through massive tax cuts, deregulation, and subsidies.
This is a slightly tweaked and updated version of an economic model for a typical South American country, circa 1950. It even comes with its own man on golf cart horseback! The last act typically is stagflation.
Don’t cry for me, New Hampshire.