Exploring Trump’s Libertarian Policies and Principles:
A Conservative by Name?
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, is often associated with populist and conservative ideologies. However, some of his policies and principles exhibit characteristics that align with libertarian values. This exploration delves into the areas where Trump’s actions and stances reflect libertarian principles, focusing on deregulation, tax reform, criminal justice reform, and foreign policy.
Deregulation
A cornerstone of libertarian philosophy is the reduction of government intervention in the economy. During his presidency, Trump prioritized deregulation, aiming to reduce the burden of federal regulations on businesses. His administration implemented a “two out, one in” policy, requiring that for every new regulation introduced, two existing regulations be eliminated.
The Trump administration’s actions to repeal the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and the Clean Power Plan exemplify efforts to reduce federal regulatory control, aligning with libertarian principles of limited government interference in private enterprise. Libertarians advocate for restricting government authority and promoting individual and business rights without excessive intervention. The WOTUS rule, implemented under Obama, broadened the scope of federal control over water bodies, whereas its repeal by Trump aimed to restore state autonomy and reduce federal oversight. Similarly, the Clean Power Plan, which set carbon emission limits on power plants, was repealed to alleviate regulatory burdens on businesses and empower states to decide independently. Libertarians argue that minimal government intervention minimizes social conflict and promotes economic growth.
Sources:
- Evidence of this libertarian approach can be seen in the significant decrease in the number of new federal regulations. The Competitive Enterprise Institute reported that in 2017, the Trump administration issued the fewest number of new regulations in decades [1].
- Additionally, the rollback of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and the repeal of the Clean Power Plan are examples of efforts to minimize federal regulatory overreach, resonating with libertarian ideals of limited government intervention in private enterprise [2].
Tax Reform
Libertarians advocate for lower taxes, viewing them as a means to increase individual freedom and economic efficiency. Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 is a significant legislative example that aligns with these principles. The TCJA reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, simplified individual tax brackets, and increased the standard deduction.
The tax reform aimed to spur economic growth by allowing individuals and businesses to keep more of their earnings and invest more in the economy. Supporters argue that lower corporate taxes encourage investment and job creation, ultimately benefiting the economy as a whole. This approach is consistent with libertarian views that emphasize minimal government interference in economic matters and support for free-market principles.
Sources:
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The Tax Foundation reported that the TCJA reduced the corporate tax rate to a level more in line with international standards, which could improve U.S. competitiveness and incentivize investment in the country’s economy [3].
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The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, noted that the TCJA’s simplification of the tax code and reduction in rates for businesses and individuals could lead to increased economic growth and job creation [4].
Criminal Justice Reform
Libertarians emphasize personal freedom and are often critical of the criminal justice system’s impact on civil liberties. Trump’s administration supported several criminal justice reform initiatives, which reflect libertarian principles of reducing government overreach and respecting individual rights.
One of the most notable actions was the signing of the First Step Act in 2018, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill aimed at reducing recidivism and addressing disparities in sentencing. The Act included provisions for sentencing reform, expanding rehabilitation programs, and giving judges more discretion in sentencing non-violent offenders.
Moreover, Trump’s administration prioritized rehabilitation efforts for prisoners, emphasizing programs aimed at reducing recidivism rates and preparing inmates for reintegration into society. This approach aligns with libertarian values of reducing government interference in individual lives and promoting personal responsibility.
Sources:
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The Pew Research Center reported that the First Step Act aimed to reduce the federal prison population and address racial disparities in sentencing, reflecting a shift towards a more libertarian approach to criminal justice [5].
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The Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, praised the First Step Act as a significant step towards reforming the criminal justice system and reducing the government’s role in non-violent offenders’ lives [6].
Foreign Policy
Foreign policy is another area where Trump’s administration exhibited a departure from traditional interventionist policies. While not purely libertarian, Trump’s foreign policy decisions sometimes aligned with libertarian principles of non-intervention and military restraint.
Trump emphasized a policy of “America First,” focusing on advancing U.S. national interests over globalist or interventionist objectives. He sought to reduce American involvement in foreign conflicts and questioned the wisdom of long-term military engagements abroad, such as in Afghanistan and Syria. This approach was seen by some as a move towards a more restrained and non-interventionist foreign policy, which resonates with libertarian ideals of avoiding entangling alliances and unnecessary military engagements.
Sources:
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Astute foreign policy researcher Robert Blackwill, though criticizing Trump’s methods and his character, gives Trump Foreign policy ratings that show Trump is not ignorant in reducing conflict and US participation in foreign entanglements.[7].
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The Trump administration’s “America First” foreign policy emphasized advancing U.S. national interests over globalist or interventionist objectives, and sought to reduce American involvement in foreign conflicts [8].
While Donald Trump is often associated with populist and conservative policies, his administration’s actions in deregulation, tax reform, criminal justice reform, and foreign policy exhibit aspects of libertarian philosophy. These policies emphasize limited government intervention, lower taxes, criminal justice reform that respects individual liberties, and a restrained foreign policy approach. Whether intentionally or not, Trump’s policies have resonated with some libertarian principles, appealing to those who advocate for greater personal and economic freedoms.
In conclusion, Trump’s presidency saw a mix of policies that aligned with various political ideologies, including libertarianism, despite his more populist and conservative leanings on other issues.
– F.W
The People’s President
Sources
What Regulations Has the Trump Administration Eliminated So Far? [1]
Affordable Clean Energy Rule
[2]
HOW CAN TAX POLICIES ATTRACT INVESTMENT? [3]
An Economic History of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Higher Wages, More Jobs, New Investment [4]
Under Trump, the federal prison population continued its recent decline [5]
Don’t Let the First Step Act Be the Last Step in Criminal Justice Reform [6]
Trump’s Foreign Policies Are Better Than They Seem [7]
Trump’s Foreign Policies are Better than they Seem PDF [7]
President Donald J. Trump at the United Nations General Assembly: Outlining an America First Foreign Policy
The fine print I have to include for my own protection:
The following text presents the author’s opinions and interpretations of events without intending to cause harm or defame any individuals, organizations, or entities mentioned. While the author has provided sources to support their claims, readers are encouraged to conduct their research and employ critical thinking to form their own conclusions.
