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Editor’s note: The following column was originally published. city journal.
With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office later this month, it’s worth considering how his coalition has changed.
The president-elect’s source of power, his voting base, is populist in nature. This was clear from the beginning. Mr. Trump has marshaled a new political framework, transforming the Republican Party into a multiracial, working-class party over the past decade. He has managed to draw tens of thousands of people to stadiums and arenas and command a frenzy of social media to spread his message.
Trump’s populist appeal also had a downside. Trump’s voters and vision lacked elite champions who could competently run the White House and advance the MAGA agenda. There was Trump as president and Trump voters, but nothing in between. He lacked the middle class needed to control the bureaucracy and negotiate with outside power brokers.
President Trump criticizes President Biden for seeking last-minute policy changes, calls out president for making transition more difficult
Now, Trump has a second chance and his coalition is undergoing major changes, with a growing segment of the tech industry actively embracing the MAGA agenda. The most notable representative of this development is Elon Musk, the richest person in the world. Hundreds of other technology industry leaders have followed suit, donating to Trump and supporting his 2024 presidential campaign.
The tragedy of Trump’s first presidency was that he was held back on every front. He was isolated within the White House, with few outside allies and insufficient control over the administration. Things may be different this time.
Some of it is definitely selfish. Technologists are concerned about taxes, regulations, antitrust and other restrictions that were likely part of Kamala Harris’ agenda. But some of it is ideological. Many figures on the right, including Musk, have a genuine aversion, even disgust, to “woke” politics and desire a progressive, free, growth-oriented American economy. Some technology industry leaders were early supporters of President Trump, while others have only recently risen to prominence once Trump became safe. But the overall message is clear. The tech industry is betting on President Trump and stands to benefit not just economically but ideologically from his election victory.
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Trump also stands to benefit. Mr. Musk controls X, the world’s most important news platform. Trump-supporting venture capitalists own stock in some of the most important and dynamic companies. And by using tech-lite talent to staff his administration, President Trump will be able to strengthen his control over the bureaucracy around him and below.
The tragedy of Trump’s first presidency was that he was held back on every front. He was isolated within the White House, with few outside allies and insufficient control over the administration.
Things may be different this time.
It is unlikely that the public will fall victim to the fear-mongering of the press corps again. During the 2024 presidential campaign, Mr. Trump displayed more tact and modesty than he has shown in his political career thus far. And Mr. Musk can bring with him technology and financial elites who have traditionally been friendly to Republicans but shunned Mr. Trump.
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The alliance between tech and populists is fraught with risks. For example, over the Christmas holidays, President Trump’s populist base and the tech right fought over H-1B visas. Populists resented the entry of foreign engineers into domestic companies, and engineers argued that many of these immigrants helped spur economic growth. These conflicts will be resolved in time.
For now, there appears to be more promise than danger in this alliance. Trump can rally his own dedicated base of supporters, while the tech right can help staff the administration and systematically advance the president’s message. The success of President Trump’s second term may depend on the success of this partnership.
Click here to read more from Christopher Ruffo
