Key Takeaways:
- Donald Trump shared his mugshot in his first post on X since Jan. 8, 2021.
- His second term as president has stirred controversy over whether his actions align with traditional conservatism.
- Jonah Goldberg argues that Trump’s policies and behavior clash with core conservative values.
- Trump’s supporters and critics are divided on whether he still represents conservative principles.
Trump Returns to Social Media with a Mugshot
After a long break from X, former President Donald Trump made a dramatic return. He shared a mugshot, his first post since January 8, 2021. This move, like many others, has sparked debate. Supporters see it as a sign of strength, while critics view it as another example of his unconventional style.
Trump’s return to social media comes as his second term as president continues to draw attention. His administration has taken bold steps, signing over 150 executive orders. These orders have changed or ended long-standing government programs. Trump has also targeted issues like illegal immigration, tariffs, and even elite universities.
A Different Kind of Conservatism?
Trump’s first term was met with support from conservatives. He cut taxes, reduced regulations, appointed conservative judges, and focused on immigration control. However, his second term has raised questions. Some conservatives worry that his actions don’t fit the traditional values they believe in.
Jonah Goldberg, a well-known conservative writer, has spoken out. In his essay, “Don’t Call This Conservatism,” he argues that Trump’s policies and behavior don’t align with classic conservative principles. Goldberg believes conservatism is about preserving and improving existing institutions, not tearing them down. He points to Trump’s support for tariffs, his approach to foreign policy, and his use of social media to attack opponents as examples of this shift.
What Makes a Conservative?
Goldberg explains that conservatism is both a temperament and an intellectual outlook. It’s about preferring the familiar over the unknown, preserving traditions, and believing in limited government and free markets. Conservatives also value individual rights, the rule of law, and America’s role in promoting freedom abroad.
Trump’s style, however, seems different. His administration has embraced what Goldberg calls “apocalyptic politics.” This approach focuses on tearing down existing systems rather than improving them. Trump’s supporters often prioritize his bold actions over traditional conservative values.
A Divided Right
Trump’s second term has deepened the divide within the conservative movement. Some argue that Trump’s policies, like tariffs and his focus on trade, don’t fit with free-market principles. Others criticize his approach to foreign policy, which emphasizes peace through commerce over promoting democracy.
Despite these criticisms, Trump remains popular among many conservatives. They argue that his willingness to challenge the status quo is needed in a changing world. They see him as a leader who can take on elites and stand up for working-class Americans.
The Pragmatic Choice
Goldberg acknowledges that conservatives faced tough choices in past elections. Many felt that supporting Trump was better than voting for Democrats like Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden. They believed Trump, despite his flaws, could advance conservative goals like appointing judges and cutting regulations.
However, Goldberg warns that supporting Trump comes at a cost. He believes Trump’s style and policies are slowly erasing traditional conservatism. The question now is whether conservatives can still call themselves part of the same movement as Trump’s supporters.
The Future of Conservatism
The debate over Trump’s impact on conservatism is far from over. Some see him as a necessary disruptor who can bring change to a movement that has lost its way. Others fear he is leading conservatism away from its core principles.
As Trump’s second term continues, the tension between his supporters and traditional conservatives will likely grow. The outcome of this debate will shape the future of the Republican Party and American politics.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s return to social media with a mugshot is just the latest chapter in his unconventional presidency. While he remains a dominant figure in the Republican Party, his policies and style have sparked a heated debate over what it means to be conservative. As the 2024 election approaches, this debate will only grow more important. Can Trump’s version of conservatism coexist with traditional values, or will it replace them? Only time will tell.