Interesting Times with Ross Douthat Trump’s Future Depends on His Immigration Crackdown
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Jun 12, 2025 
Matthew Continetti, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and author of "The Right," delves into immigration as the pivotal issue for the Republican Party today. He discusses how Trump's policies mark a shift in party ideology, reflecting a tension between populism and traditional conservatism. The conversation explores Elon Musk's role in forming a 'tech right' that aligns with Trump's views. Continetti argues that immigration protests are reshaping party dynamics, making the issue a defining battleground for the American right.
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Key Issues for Tech Right
- The tech right advocates for deregulation in areas like AI, nuclear energy, crypto, and defense modernization.
- Cultural opposition to woke ideology remains a key mobilizing issue within the tech right.
Republican Fiscal Conservatism Persists
- The Republican Party shows striking resilience by maintaining core fiscal conservative principles despite shifts in its coalition.
- Tax cuts and spending cuts remain central, reflecting continuity from past conservative eras.
Trump’s Trade Policy Triumph
- Tariffs represent Trump’s most successful populist economic policy departure from mainstream conservatism.
- Despite controversy, U.S. protective trade barriers remain highest since the Great Depression under Trump.
