Navigating Populism: Trump's First Term Reflections

This chapter examines the ambitious proposals and political complexities of Trump's first term, particularly focusing on the promised infrastructure initiatives and the populist vision that accompanied them. It analyzes the tension between populist rhetoric and actual policy implementation while exploring the evolving motivations of diverse voter groups, including disenfranchised blue-collar and Hispanic communities. The discussion also addresses fiscal responsibility within the Republican Party, highlighting the ideological clash between traditional elites and the rising populist faction concerning taxation and budget strategies.