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Trump must restore ‘smart populism’ — and rescue his presidency
The article argues that Republicans’ severe midterm defeat reflects the Trump movement losing touch with the practical concerns of ordinary voters. It says President Donald Trump should revive “smart populism” by focusing on affordability, explaining major decisions to the public and curbing elite self-dealing.
The opinion piece points to corruption allegations involving pardons, access and business dealings, and criticises broad tariffs for raising prices. It says the administration failed to make its case for military action against Iran and became distracted by online conspiracy theories. The article cites falling violent crime and prescription drug prices as second-term successes, while arguing that voters prioritise lower prices.
In short
- The article links the GOP’s midterm defeat to a loss of practical populist focus.
- It calls for lower prices, clearer explanations and less elite self-dealing.
- It acknowledges falling crime and prescription drug prices as successes.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The defeat may signal that voters want practical improvements in daily life, especially lower prices, more than political spectacle. A renewed populism focused on affordability, clear explanations for major decisions and limits on conflicts of interest could rebuild trust, while preserving policies the administration can point to as successes, such as lower crime and prescription drug prices.
The case against
A midterm defeat does not by itself prove that the Trump movement has abandoned ordinary voters or that its broader agenda should change. Supporters could argue that tariffs and consequential foreign policy decisions serve longer-term economic or security goals, and that the administration should explain those choices more effectively while continuing its existing priorities rather than recasting its approach around short-term affordability concerns.