Is it time for conservatives to embrace Trump's populism?
The case for and against MAGA
Written by Bo Winegard.
PHILO: My contention is that populism is a necessary and laudable response to years of elite failure. It evinces a fighting spirit that conservative voters and intellectuals, so often betrayed by feckless politicians, should embrace. For the simple reality is that conservatives have not conserved. On issues from gay marriage to mass immigration, they have capitulated. As a result, voters have rejected them in favor of a movement that is more energetic, more vital, and, yes, more flamboyant: populism. Donald Trump’s victory in 2024 was the result of his promise of radical change, coupled with his ability to harness the righteous anger of ordinary citizens.
Now, is populism—like Trump himself—crude, rude, and boorish? Certainly, it can be. I understand that such boorishness will continue to offend the sensibilities of social conservatives. At times, even I find the vulgarity and transgressiveness of populism—particularly MAGA populism—unbecoming. And yet, it is not nearly so appalling as the sanctimonious defense of a failed status quo. And it’s certainly not so appalling as decaying cities, drug overdoses, or corpses from unnecessary wars.
Populism is the language of an angry people whose patience has been worn thin by broken promises and lies. Sometimes that language is coarse, uncouth, and impolite. But what is the appropriate response to economic devastation? To shuttered factories, failed wars, and pernicious ideologies? Is it polite dissent and quiet resignation? Or is it brash, open defiance? My view is the latter. And if that means abandoning politeness and decorum, then so be it.
Thus, populism is not merely desirable—it is necessary. Protecting the old verities, the eternal truths, demands radical disruption and a decisive break from the mainstream elite consensus. This is what Donald Trump offers. He is the sledgehammer that will shatter layers of corruption and error to reveal the timeless truths buried beneath: Men and women are biologically different. God created humans for a purpose. Government serves the people. Individuals are endowed with certain inalienable rights.
Yes, he may have myriad character defects, but he has one crucial virtue that makes him indispensable: An unbending spirit of rebellion. He is unbowed—a quality that sets him apart from the so-called conservatives who came before him, who were crushed with little resistance beneath the relentless march of progressivism.
