“Tump is breaking sharply from free-market orthodoxy in his second term, blending bursts of anti-capitalism with a top-down, nationalist agenda for American dominance.”
“Critics on the left and right warn of an emerging "MAGA Maoism" — a movement that demands ideological purity, glorifies economic sacrifice, and embraces state power as a means to reshape society. Trump's strongman instincts — and his deep skepticism of cultural elites and bureaucrats — have only intensified the provocative comparisons to China's revolutionary leader.”
“Trump's embrace of centralized economic power is just one piece of a broader governing style that borrows heavily from strongman traditions.”
We all know Trump admires the strongeman version of leadership but everyone thought it was more the European model and not the East’s
Definitely puts a damper on the Red Hat Club dismissively labeling anyone who dares to criticize Trump as a dirty commie
“Critics on the left and right warn of an emerging "MAGA Maoism" — a movement that demands ideological purity, glorifies economic sacrifice, and embraces state power as a means to reshape society. Trump's strongman instincts — and his deep skepticism of cultural elites and bureaucrats — have only intensified the provocative comparisons to China's revolutionary leader.”
“Trump's embrace of centralized economic power is just one piece of a broader governing style that borrows heavily from strongman traditions.”
- Ritualistic praise: Trump's televised Cabinet meetings always begin with his secretaries showering him in praise — casting the president as the only leader capable of restoring America's greatness.
- Loyalty tests: Trump and his aides have carried out mass purges of career officials deemed insufficiently loyal, including at the Justice Department, the Pentagon and the U.S. intelligence community.
- Civil society: Trump has sought retribution against the media, law firms, NGOs, and political opponents. Some Chinese see echoes of the Cultural Revolution, when nearly all of society's institutions were destroyed.
- War on academia: The Trump administration has cracked down on dozens of universities over alleged antisemitism and DEI programs, moving to weaken elite liberal institutions seen as hostile to MAGA.
- Military spectacle: The Pentagon plans to host a massive military parade — featuring 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles and 50 helicopters — on Trump's birthday in June, which coincides with the Army's 250th anniversary.
We all know Trump admires the strongeman version of leadership but everyone thought it was more the European model and not the East’s
Definitely puts a damper on the Red Hat Club dismissively labeling anyone who dares to criticize Trump as a dirty commie