Best of the Spectator Americano: how is Trump's counter revolution going?
Dec 15, 2025
Victor Davis Hanson, a US historian and classicist, dives deep into Donald Trump’s first year back in office. He reviews the administration's choices on the economy and immigration, highlighting the effects on services and labor. Hanson examines the challenges of effective messaging on inflation and forecasts the political consequences. He critiques the handling of controversies like the Epstein files and outlines the limitations of Ukraine policy, all while framing Trump's agenda as a bold counter-revolution with substantial risks and potential for national renewal.
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Long-Term Wins Versus Immediate Messaging
- Victor Davis Hanson argues Trump's administration focused on long-term achievements while neglecting immediate affordability messaging.
- He says this allowed critics to frame Trump as overseas-focused while voters still felt economic pain.
Reframe Policy Wins As Immediate Relief
- Emphasize concrete economic indicators voters notice, like lower gas prices and falling inflation.
- Frame long-term investments as immediate relief to regain political support.
Border Enforcement Has Delayed Benefits
- Hanson describes how mass illegal immigration clogged healthcare and social services, harming citizens' access.
- He predicts economic and service improvements will appear months after stricter enforcement reduces inflows.