Is Trump America’s Most Progressive President? | The New York Sun

Is Trump a Progressive?

The article questions whether Donald Trump's presidency is the most progressive, contrasting his protectionist economic policies with historical progressive movements and figures like Woodrow Wilson. It highlights the contradictory nature of Trump's economic actions, noting his initial vow to 'stay the course' on protectionism and the subsequent retreat following market reactions.

Key Arguments

The core argument is that Trump's significant government intervention in the economy, specifically his protectionist measures (tariffs), ironically mirrors the progressive ideal of an energetic executive actively shaping the economy. The author argues that Trump's actions, while presented as bold and sophisticated, demonstrate a lack of understanding of complex economic interdependencies.

Examples of Policy

• Tariffs and Trade Wars: The article cites Trump's imposition of tariffs, the resulting trade disputes with China (including retaliatory tariffs), and the economic fallout, such as the need for government aid to farmers impacted by reduced exports.
• Economic Intervention: The article compares Trump's economic policies to previous large-scale government interventions, such as Nixon's wage and price controls, highlighting the potential for unintended negative consequences.

The article uses the example of Trump's initial stance on healthcare reform to illustrate his lack of understanding about policy complexities. It concludes by comparing Trump's protectionist views with a character from Charles Dickens' 'Our Mutual Friend,' highlighting his narrow-minded approach to international commerce.