FT News Briefing Swamp Notes: Trump’s tilt to the left
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May 17, 2025 
Join James Politi, the Financial Times' Washington bureau chief, and Rana Foroohar, a global business columnist and co-writer of Swamp Notes, as they dive into Trump's surprising leftward shift. They discuss his endorsement of tax increases for the wealthy and dramatic cuts to drug prices, mirroring Bernie Sanders’ platform. The conversation explores the potential impact on upcoming elections, the authenticity of populism, and how Generation Z's emerging wealth could reshape political dynamics. A fascinating look at the evolving landscape!
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Trump's Instincts Target Anxiety
- Donald Trump is shifting to policies that appeal to both right and left voters amid economic fears.
- His ability to sense public anxiety and target it is a key political instinct.
Trump Adopts Left-Wing Policies
- Trump embraces traditionally Democratic policies like taxing the wealthy and cutting drug prices to win crossover voters.
- This strategy aims to reclaim voters who switched to him but have left due to policy concerns.
Hollywood Tariffs Appeal to Workers
- Trump's tariff on movies appeals to working-class Hollywood workers feeling job insecurity.
- It's a savvy political move despite potential economic downsides and retaliatory risks.