The Daily Signal Victor Davis Hanson: 3 Key Moves for the Trump Administration Ahead of Midterms
Sep 11, 2025
The discussion focuses on the early achievements of the Trump administration, emphasizing unexpected successes in the economy and crime reduction. Victor Davis Hanson outlines three strategic recommendations for the upcoming midterms, including the importance of trade policies and federal intervention in urban areas. He also expresses concerns about drug trafficking and its impact on Latin America. This is a crucial moment for Republicans as they prepare for the next election.
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Unexpected Economic Stability
- Victor Davis Hanson argues Trump's first eight or nine months disproved predictions of economic collapse and hyperinflation.
- He credits administration policies with strong stock market performance and avoided recession fears.
Calibrate Tariffs Toward Allies
- Recalibrate tariffs to avoid targeting close allies that run trade surpluses with the U.S.
- Avoid losing the moral case for tariffs by exempting friendly countries with favorable balances.
Moral Case For Tariff Policy
- Hanson highlights the moral argument for tariffs: other countries exploited U.S. offshoring, creating a large trade deficit.
- He notes a $1.2 trillion annual trade deficit bled U.S. jobs and warranted corrective measures.