Trump's Protectionist Shift and the Republican Party
Donald Trump's presidency, which began in 2017, marked a significant shift in the Republican Party's long-standing tradition of free-market economics. A potential second term for Trump would further solidify this change, as evidenced by the platform approved during the recent Republican Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The new platform emphasizes protectionism, with plans to raise import tariffs, encourage American manufacturing, and deport immigrants on an unprecedented scale to protect local employment.
In the 2020 campaign, Trump maintained the 2016 platform, which adhered to traditional Republican views on trade. However, the current platform reflects Trump's personal influence, indicating a complete takeover of the Republican Party by his ideas. Notably, during the Milwaukee conference, Trump ordered the confiscation of all cell phones, and delegates signed the document without protest, revealing the extent of his control.
Biden's Campaign Struggles Amid Trump's Dominance
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden faces challenges in his re-election campaign for the 2024 US election. Biden, currently isolating due to a corona infection, has been unable to participate in campaign events in person. This situation has heightened concerns among Democrats, especially as Trump leads in polls by one or two percentage points despite his criminal conviction.
Biden has used his isolation to criticize Trump and his wealthy supporters, including Elon Musk, who has publicly backed Trump. However, the Democrats remain deeply worried about Biden's ability to campaign effectively and whether he can still secure a victory in the upcoming election.
The Republican platform, now half the length of its predecessor, lacks the traditional economic conservative ideas. It denounces 'a blind faith in the siren song of globalism' and calls for a return to the party's roots in industry, manufacturing, infrastructure, and labor. Missing are mentions of fiscal deficits, detailed plans to curb national debt, and encouragement of trade. Experts warn that Trump's proposals, such as mass deportations and high tariffs, could drive up prices and increase the country's debt.
Despite some free-market elements like fewer regulations and lower taxes, the platform signifies a transformation of the Republican Party into one of protectionist populism. This shift is expected to be even more pronounced in a potential second term for Trump, with protectionism framed as a matter of national security rather than trade policy.
- The Republican platform's lack of focus on traditional economic conservative ideas, such as fiscal deficit reduction and trade encouragement, marks a significant departure from the party's historical stance. Experts believe that Trump's proposals could lead to increased prices and national debt, highlighting the potential economic impact of his policies.
- President Biden's isolation due to a corona infection has intensified concerns within the Democratic Party about his ability to campaign effectively. Despite calls for him to drop out of the race, Biden remains committed to his candidacy. His recent criticism of Trump and Elon Musk on social media reflects his strategy to engage voters remotely during his recovery period.
