Downplaying the threat of Trump

Many business leaders are scoffing at the idea that a second Trump term will lead to “a MAGA autocracy,” said Jennifer Rubin. But the executive class may regret downplaying the consequences of a vengeful, wounded Trump returning to power. This time around, Trump’s populist impulses will not be constrained by aides with establishment credentials, and his radical policies and unhinged behavior will trigger “economic and political upheaval.” Trump is vowing to impose huge tariffs on Chinese and other foreign imports, to use the Justice Department as a weapon to punish his enemies, and to replace tens of thousands of federal civil servants with unqualified MAGA loyalists. Trump’s isolationism will mean cutting off U.S. military aid to Ukraine, victory for Vladimir Putin’s Russia, and a green light for China to attack Taiwan. After installing loyalists at the Pentagon, Trump will transform our nation’s military into his “Praetorian guard,” ordering U.S. troops to clear protesters from the streets. Do “industry titans” really think Trump’s campaign of retribution against Democrats, the press, and undocumented immigrants “will have no impact on the business environment?” When autocrats seize power, not even the wealthy and powerful are spared the consequences.