Analysis of David Brooks’s Column on Trump’s Support and the Economy

The debate over why Donald Trump maintains such a strong hold on the Republican base continues to be a hot topic in American politics. The latest contribution to this discussion comes from David Brooks, a columnist for the New York Times, who challenges the prevailing narrative that Trump’s support is rooted in racism and a desire to maintain hierarchy.

In his recent column titled “What if We’re the Bad Guys Here?”, Brooks argues that Trump’s enduring popularity is a result of working-class frustration with an economic system that favors the educated elite. He suggests that the failure of the elite to address this economic inequality is fueling the rise of Trumpism.

While Brooks’s perspective has been celebrated by some American elites, critics argue that the evidence supporting an economic explanation for Trump’s support is weak at best. Instead, they point to identity-based explanations, such as racial and cultural conflicts, as more significant factors in Trump’s appeal.

Social scientists have conducted numerous studies since 2016, consistently finding that racism, sexism, and cultural anxiety are stronger predictors of Trump support than economic factors. This research challenges Brooks’s theory and suggests that a cultural explanation aligns better with the available evidence.

The global context is also important to consider, as other countries experiencing a rise in far-right populism have different economic trajectories but similar cultural challenges. This further supports the argument that cultural anxiety, rather than economic anxiety, is the key driver of Trumpism.

In conclusion, the debate over Trump’s support is complex, but the evidence points towards cultural and identity-based factors as the primary drivers. Brooks’s column adds an interesting perspective to the discussion, but it falls short in providing strong evidence to support his economic explanation for Trump’s enduring popularity.