In domestic and foreign policy, much of Trump’s second term is fulfilling Reaganism, not burying it.
In domestic and foreign policy, much of Trump’s second term is fulfilling Reaganism, not burying it.
T he so-called “death of traditional conservatism,” gleefully declared in the legacy media’s political obituaries, has been greatly exaggerated.
Whether the “One Big Beautiful Bill” is signed this week, next week, or even a month from now, one thing is crystal clear: Republicans are on the verge of a landmark victory that will, among other things, make the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent. This is not just a legislative win; it’s a resounding affirmation of conservative economic principles that have fueled American prosperity for decades.
Along the way, we’ve seen some on the New Right — self-styled populists — clamor for an end to “Zombie Reaganism” by raising taxes on the wealthy. This foolish epithet reveals a surprising ideological kinship with progressive icons such as Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. Their calls for class warfare and redistribution echo the left far more than the party of Reagan. Yet, despite this internal noise, the conservative wing is poised to deliver a bill that will give the president — and the movement — a massive, hard-fought win.
One might even be tempted to call this a “win for the Gipper.” After just six months back in office, President Trump’s victories and agenda have looked shockingly similar to the traditional Reaganite vision — low taxes, limited government, and a strong America. In many ways, these wins are a direct repudiation of the populism that once threatened to dominate the party.
Who could have predicted that much of Trump’s domestic policy would look like Ronald Reagan’s third term?
Even as the battle to rein in runaway spending continues, the BBB is poised to deliver what conservatives have only dreamed about for decades: the first significant entitlement reform in American history, with a dramatic reshaping of Medicaid. It may be a baby step, but it’s a giant leap for conservative principles and a clear signal that the era of unchecked government expansion must be curbed.
But that’s not all. In another stunning first, the BBB finally shuts off the federal funding spigot to Planned Parenthood, the nation’s single-largest abortion provider. Despite the rise of a populist movement that has introduced nuances and internal divisions over the abortion issue, the bill’s defunding provision is a heartfelt victory for the conservative base, which remains unapologetically pro-life. This is a promise kept and a bold statement that the sanctity of life will not be compromised.
Meanwhile, as the White House continues to wrestle with tariff policies, it’s becoming clear that the conservative “tariffs as a negotiating tactic” camp is prevailing over the populist “tariffs for tariffs’ sake” crowd. The idea of a 150 percent tariff is now about as likely as Chuck Schumer suddenly championing sweeping federal spending cuts — utterly implausible.
On the world stage, President Trump has decisively rejected the populist isolationism of the Tucker Carlsons of the world, instead embracing the Reagan doctrine of peace through strength. He has stood shoulder to shoulder with our allies, especially Israel, and made it clear that Iran will never get a nuclear weapon on his watch. When negotiations failed, he acted with resolve, eliminating Iran’s nuclear threat and restoring American credibility.
Just last week, Trump secured a historic win at the NATO summit in The Hague: All but one NATO member pledged to raise defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035. “I left here differently,” Trump remarked, clearly moved by the renewed spirit of alliance. “I left here saying that these people really love their countries.” This is a sign that America’s leadership is back, and the world knows it.
So far, the great center of the Republican Party has wisely refused to be seduced by the siren song of populism unmoored from principle — with its Big Government redistribution schemes, protectionism, and isolationism — that would have dashed the party on the rocks. Instead, the GOP is tacking toward conservatism. If it continues to do so, the nation will reap the rewards.