Trumpism’s Economic Shift: A New Conservative Populism#

The Flaws of Consumption-Driven Economics#

Cass critiques the “economic pie” metaphor, which equates success with GDP growth and consumption. “We assumed maximizing consumption would bring happiness,” he notes, “but it hasn’t delivered human flourishing or strengthened families and communities.” Despite rising material living standards—bigger homes, more healthcare—economic models focused on consumption have left society fractured and democracy strained. Cass argues for a broader measure of success, prioritizing economic stability and social cohesion.

Why Conservatism Missed the Mark#

The Reagan revolution fused social conservatives, libertarian free-marketeers, and foreign policy hawks to fight communism. This coalition embraced market fundamentalism, often at odds with conservative values like family and community. Thinkers like Friedrich Hayek championed unfettered markets, while conservatives like Yuval Levin warned that markets can erode institutions [2]. By the 2000s, free trade with China and tax cuts amid deficits exposed the limits of this approach, leaving workers behind.

Defining Conservative Populism#

Unlike democratic socialism, which Cass distinguishes from his vision, conservative populism emphasizes traditional values—family, community, and national solidarity. It rejects value-neutral economic choices, asserting that marriage and child-rearing are societal priorities over consumerism. This nationalism contrasts with the modern left’s globalized outlook, rooting economic policy in national interests and worker welfare.

Is the GOP Embracing This Shift?#

Cass sees Trumpism driving a paradigm shift in the GOP. Policies like tariffs aim to protect American workers, while figures like JD Vance and Marco Rubio signal a departure from Mike Pence-era priorities. Initiatives like Josh Hawley and Bernie Moreno’s selective support for the PRO Act—a Democratic labor reform—and Republican-led efforts to save an Ohio paper plant alongside union leaders reflect this change. The child tax credit’s expansion, once contentious, is now a GOP priority [3].

Yet skeptics note the GOP’s recent House bill—packed with tax cuts, Medicaid reductions, and deficit increases—echoes traditional corporate-friendly policies, raising doubts about the shift’s depth. Cass counters that elected officials lag behind emerging leaders like Vance, suggesting the party’s DNA is evolving over time.

Can Trumpism Sustain This Vision?#

Trump’s coalition, more working-class than the Mitt Romney era, drives this shift, but its longevity is uncertain. Cass acknowledges Trump’s central role but sees the movement gaining traction among younger GOP leaders. He also engages Democrats like Jared Golden, who supports tariff legislation, emphasizing a bipartisan need for worker-focused policies. A healthy politics, Cass argues, requires two parties prioritizing typical Americans while debating ends and means.

Key Highlights#

• Economic Populism: Oren Cass champions a worker-focused GOP, breaking from free-market dogma.
• Consumption’s Limits: GDP growth hasn’t delivered human flourishing or social cohesion.
• GOP Shift: Tariffs, labor reforms, and child tax credits signal a working-class pivot, led by Vance and Rubio.
• Skepticism Persists: Recent House bills reflect corporate priorities, questioning the shift’s depth.
• Bipartisan Potential: Collaboration with Democrats like Jared Golden shows cross-party alignment on worker issues.

Conclusion#

Trumpism’s economic theory, as articulated by Oren Cass, marks a bold reorientation of conservatism toward working-class priorities. By challenging market fundamentalism and embracing tariffs, labor reforms, and family-focused policies, this new conservatism seeks to rebuild economic stability and national solidarity. While GOP legislation still reflects old priorities, emerging leaders and policy shifts suggest a party in transition. Whether this populist vision endures beyond Trump will shape the future of American politics.