PREVIEW - The Friday Edition: Noah Rothman - Trump 2.0 repudiates the conservatism of Trump 1.0.

May 23, 2025

In this discussion, Noah Rothman, Senior Editor at National Review, delves into the striking transition between Trump's first and potential second terms. He examines how Trump's evolving political agenda taps into voter nostalgia while diverging from traditional conservative values, especially in economic policy with new tariff schedules. Rothman also critiques the complexities of former President Obama's foreign policy and its lasting effects on international relations, providing a thought-provoking perspective on America's diplomatic shifts.

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INSIGHT

Trump 2.0 Rejects Trump 1.0

Trump's second term is a clear rejection of the conservative policies of his first term.
His administration now embraces some policies with a left-wing flavor, breaking from his original approach.

INSIGHT

Trump Embraces Degrowth Policies

Trump's tariffs defy conservative economic principles by increasing trade barriers and slowing growth.
These policies echo some progressive "degrowth" ideas, surprising even some Democrats who see merit in them.

INSIGHT

Continuity in Skeptical Foreign Policy

Obama's foreign policy favored seeing allies as problems and enemies as assets, leading to compromises.
Trump's approach appears similarly distrustful of allies, continuing a skeptical outlook on international relations.

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Every day, the Tangle team dives deep into commentary about the big, divisive story we are covering. And, I kid you not, almost every day we come across a piece from Noah Rothman.

I take pride in how much I write — a daily editorial ensconced in a 4,000-word newsletter is no small feat. But Rothman makes me feel like an amateur. I’d wonder if he was some kind of robot, save the fact that his writing is so thoughtful and human that I know there’s a real person behind it. His output is equal parts astonishing and impressive, mostly because so much of it is quality writing and valuable commentary.

So, I was thrilled to learn a couple weeks ago that my editorial team was pursuing him for a contributed piece to Tangle. And when I heard the topic — the idea that Trump’s second term is a repudiation of his first — my curiosity was piqued.

Today, you’ll hear that piece. I disagree with Rothman on any number of things, including some of the arguments in this article, which is why I find it so exhilarating to readedit and publish it. But, agree or disagree, what’s clear to me is that his argument is cogent, thoughtful, and well-made. For that, I’m grateful — and excited to share it in Tangle as part of our concerted effort to recruit more compelling and interesting writers to publish their work exclusively with us.

Here is Noah Rothman, Senior Editor at National Review, in reading his piece for Tangle.

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