Ever since Donald Trump ascended to the presidency in 2016, progressives have grappled with the implications of his rise—not merely as a political anomaly but as a manifestation of deep-seated systemic issues in American society. Initially dismissed as a circus act crafted from reality TV and tabloid headlines, Trump now stands as a powerful symbol of a resurgent authoritarianism, one that reflects the dark undercurrents of our political culture shaped by decades of neoliberal capitalism.
In the aftermath of the 2020 election, many on the left optimistically believed that Biden’s presidency would herald a return to a rational political discourse. However, Trump’s resurgence in 2024—garnering the popular vote and making inroads with Black and Latino communities—has forced us to confront the stark reality that Trumpism is not just a fleeting phase but rather an embodiment of persistent and evolving inequalities that have festered under the surface of American life.
To understand Trumpism, we must examine its economic underpinnings as articulated by Melinda Cooper in her insightful work, *Counterrevolution: Extravagance and Austerity in Public Finance*. Cooper posits that the political economy of the 21st century has been marked by staggering wealth inequality, a phenomenon exacerbated by the rise of privately held companies and the erosion of public welfare. The historical pivot towards neoliberalism—characterized by deregulation and tax cuts for the affluent—has paved the way for an elite economic program that Trump has exploited to consolidate power.
What sets Trump apart from his predecessors, particularly in the context of Reagan-era conservatism, is his embrace of a political culture that is less about accountability to shareholders or regulatory frameworks and more about the whims of a select few. This trend towards privatization has fostered a governance style that resembles the operation of a family business rather than a democratic institution. In this worldview, the government is treated as a private enterprise, run by an elite class that perceives itself as above the law.
One cannot overlook the stark implications of this shift. The assault on public welfare programs under Trump’s administration, alongside his continued defunding of essential services, reflects a broader ideological commitment to dismantling the welfare state. The message is clear: the needs of the many are subservient to the desires of the few. This is not merely a political strategy; it is an existential threat to the very foundations of social justice and equality that progressives fight for.
Cooper’s analysis reveals a troubling intersection between economic policy and social conservatism. The neoliberal agenda has not only eroded public institutions and social safety nets but has also fostered an environment where cultural anxieties around race, gender, and identity can flourish unchecked. The backlash against marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ population and immigrants, is not a mere coincidence but a calculated strategy to divert attention from economic disenfranchisement by scapegoating vulnerable groups.
The appeal of Trump to working-class voters, particularly those whose identities are intertwined with traditional forms of masculinity and entrepreneurial aspiration, illustrates the profound disillusionment with a system that has failed them. However, as Cooper argues, this support is often misconstrued. The so-called “working class” that rallies behind Trump is frequently composed of self-employed individuals or small business owners who identify more with the aggressive, individualistic ethos of Trump than with the collective solidarity fostered by unions.
This ideological framing serves to reinforce a dangerous narrative: that economic power is inherently tied to personal worth, and that the success of a few justifies the marginalization of the many. In this context, the rise of authoritarianism can be understood as a perverse rebranding of capitalism—where the champions of free enterprise increasingly resemble autocrats, prioritizing personal loyalty and financial gain over democratic principles and accountability.
Ultimately, Cooper’s *Counterrevolution* offers not just an analysis of Trumpism’s economic roots but also a roadmap for resistance. As progressives, we must reject the notion of a return to the status quo. Instead, we must envision a politics that is rooted in collective action and the reclamation of public finance as a tool for social good. Embracing robust social spending on healthcare, education, and public infrastructure is essential for dismantling the authoritarian structures that have taken hold.
The challenge is immense. Trump and his allies have thrived in a political climate that disdains the very concept of accountability, eroding trust in institutions that once served as bulwarks against tyranny. As we move forward, it is imperative that we recognize the interconnectedness of our struggles for social justice, economic equality, and human rights. The future of our democracy depends on our ability to forge a new social contract—one that resists privatization and reinforces the principle that power must be held accountable to the people.
In this context, our political imagination must extend beyond immediate electoral battles. We must commit to rebuilding the institutions that empower collective action—unions, grassroots organizations, and community coalitions—while advocating for policies that uplift the marginalized and dismantle systemic inequities. This is not merely about countering the Trumpian right; it is about redefining what it means to live in a society that values equity, justice, and the fundamental rights of all its members.
In the face of rising authoritarianism, we have a choice: to succumb to despair or to mobilize for a future that honors our interconnected humanity. It is time to rise, to resist, and to reassert our commitment to a just and equitable society. The path ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the stakes have never been higher. Let us not falter in our pursuit of a better world.
This article highlights the importance of ROOTS IN CAPITALISM.
