David Brooks, a long-time observer of American politics, expresses deep disappointment with the Trump administration's actions, characterizing them as vile and morally shameful. He highlights the administration's prioritization of power over the good, inflicting pain and humiliation to demonstrate dominance, as exemplified by statements from Trump's budget director, Russell Vought.
Brooks traces the roots of this political development back to the 1980s, distinguishing between conservatives with intellectual engagement and reactionaries solely interested in shocking the left. He argues that the reactionaries' ambition and disdain for intellectual discourse paved the way for the current political climate, where "owning the libs" became a lucrative strategy.
Brooks criticizes the MAGA elite, comprised of billionaires and Ivy League graduates, for their lack of genuine concern for the working class despite leveraging their resentment for political gain. He highlights the stark contrast between their rhetoric and the failure to address crucial issues like poverty and educational inequality.
The article details Trump's destructive impact on various institutions, including the scientific community, foreign aid programs, and cultural organizations. It further discusses how Trumpism has eroded traditional conservative values and even damaged Christianity, clashing with its core tenets of compassion and service to the marginalized.
Brooks draws a historical parallel between Trump and Andrew Jackson, emphasizing their shared traits of power-hunger, rash decision-making, and narcissism. He highlights how Jackson's actions, though initially popular, ultimately led to overreach and an economic depression.
Brooks advocates for a multi-faceted approach to national recovery, including:
Despite the current turmoil, Brooks expresses cautious optimism, citing historical precedents of national recovery from crises. He emphasizes that the inherent incompetence and self-destructiveness of authoritarian nihilism will ultimately contribute to its downfall, paving the way for civic and political renewal.