Best of the Spectator Americano: Victor Davis Hanson on DEI, counter revolutions and why Trump is a 'tragic hero'
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May 1, 2025 
Victor Davis Hanson, a classicist and social commentator, dives into the implications of Donald Trump's second term, framing it as a counter-revolution against decades of cultural drift. He discusses Trump's bold agenda, from immigration reforms to challenging DEI initiatives, portraying it as a response to elite institutions. Hanson highlights the widening gap between coastal elites and the working class, critiques the coarseness of political discourse, and draws parallels between contemporary America and ancient Rome's societal divides.
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Trump's Counter-Revolution Agenda
- Trump's second presidency acts as a counter-revolution rolling back 25 years of cultural, economic, and political extremes.
- It challenges previously settled norms including border policies and DEI initiatives comprehensively and ambitiously.
Mixed Results in Policy Battles
- Trump has notably succeeded in closing the border and exerting maximum pressure on Iran and Russia.
- However, tariff policy beyond major countries risks alienating public support by appearing unfair or as revenue generation, not fairness.
Political Momentum and Market Perception
- Early presidential days showed energetic executive actions but subsequent events like Signalgate made the administration seem less slick.
- Stock market concerns affect only a minority; average Americans focus more on inflation, gas prices, and jobs, which benefits Trump.