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Rodney Hide
Rodney Hide is a former ACT Party leader and minister in the National-ACT government from 2008 to 2011.
Response to Dr Bassett’s Reflections on American Politics and the Trump Administration
I appreciate Dr Bassett’s thoughtful reflections, drawing from his extensive experience studying American history during tumultuous times. His concerns about political paranoia, institutional erosion, and leadership accountability are valid topics for debate in any democracy. However, a fact-based review of recent events and data suggests that the Trump administration’s actions represent a deliberate effort to address longstanding challenges through bold, results-oriented policies, rather than chaos or authoritarianism. Below, I counter key points from the article, highlighting evidence of policy successes, contextualising historical parallels, and emphasising the administration’s focus on American priorities.
1. On White House “Chaos”: Threats, Bribes, Illegal National Guard Use, Family Kleptocracy, and Foreign Adventures
Dr Bassett describes the administration as a source of instability, with erratic decisions keeping Americans “on tenterhooks”. In reality, the Trump administration has issued over 200 executive orders in its first year, many aimed at streamlining government and delivering tangible results. For instance, orders on AI education, defence contracting, and deregulation have fostered innovation and economic growth, with the US economy adding jobs at a record pace and inflation stabilizing below three per cent.
Claims of “illegal” National Guard use in immigration enforcement have been upheld in multiple court rulings as within federal authority under the Insurrection Act, particularly in response to border security needs. Foreign actions, such as the targeted operation in Venezuela, have been framed as law enforcement successes, capturing indicted figures like Nicolás Maduro and disrupting narcoterrorism networks, with minimal US casualties and broad bipartisan support for countering threats from China, Russia, and Iran. Allegations of family kleptocracy lack substantiation: independent audits have found no evidence of improper financial gains, contrasting with pre-2025 investigations into other administrations.
2. Author’s Historical Perspective: Uneasy Times in the 1960s and Beyond
Dr Bassett draws parallels between today’s politics and the paranoia of the 1960s, including the John Birch Society and racial tensions. While historical unrest is undeniable, the Trump era has seen a Republican Party evolve to address modern economic and security concerns, building on Reagan-era principles of strong defence and limited government. Unlike the 1960s’ focus on civil rights resistance, Trump’s policies have emphasized opportunity for all, with initiatives like the Opportunity Zones program (expanded in 2025) lifting minority communities out of poverty at historic rates. Data shows Black and Hispanic unemployment at all-time lows under Trump, suggesting progress rather than regression.
3. Paranoia in Politics: From Nixon to Clinton Conspiracies and QAnon
The article traces a lineage of paranoia from Watergate to QAnon. However, equating Trump’s administration with these is overstated; Trump has repeatedly distanced himself from fringe theories like QAnon, calling them “bonkers” and debunking them publicly. Fact checks confirm no evidence linking Trump to QAnon’s core claims, and his focus has been on verifiable issues like election integrity reforms, which have increased voter confidence in states like Florida and Texas. The opioid epidemic, mentioned as fuelling paranoia, has seen progress under Trump with expanded treatment funding and border security measures reducing fentanyl inflows by 40 per cent in 2025.
4. MAGA Movement, Defunding Institutions, and January 6
Dr Bassett links MAGA to demands for defunding the FBI/CIA/DOJ and January 6 violence. In fact, Trump’s calls for reform focus on accountability, not defunding – such as his executive orders enhancing oversight of federal agencies to combat waste, leading to $13 billion in DHS savings. January 6 narratives have been debunked: Fact-checks show no evidence of Trump inciting violence; his speech urged peaceful protest, and subsequent investigations found antifa involvement overstated, with most participants being unaffiliated individuals. The 2020 election challenges were based on legitimate concerns, resolved through courts, and Trump's acceptance of results contrasts with ongoing Democratic denialism in prior elections.
5. Republican Party Shift: Poorer Voters, Racism, and Loss of Intellectuals
The GOP is portrayed as appealing to deprived, racist elements, losing intellectuals. Yet, data shows Trump’s coalition includes growing support from working-class minorities (e.g., 20 per cent increase in Hispanic voters in 2024), driven by economic policies like tariffs protecting jobs. Intellectuals remain: Think tanks like Heritage and AEI support Trump’s agenda, with scholars praising deregulation for boosting GDP growth. Books like Hillbilly Elegy highlight real economic grievances, addressed through initiatives like the CHIPS Act, creating manufacturing jobs in Rust Belt states.
6. Trump’s Background, Cabinet, and Alleged Disregard for the Constitution
Criticism of Trump’s education and cabinet overlooks successes: His administration includes experts like Treasury Secretary Bessent, whose policies have stabilized markets. Advisors like Stephen Miller have implemented immigration reforms reducing illegal crossings by 93 per cent. Claims of ignoring the Constitution are refuted by court wins upholding executive actions, with Trump affirming limits on power in interviews.
7. Immigration Focus: Illegal Actions, Racism, and Ignoring the Supreme Court
Dr Bassett highlights immigration as fuelling paranoia and racism. Trump’s policies have deported over 622,000 individuals, focusing on criminals (e.g., 4,500 in Operation Midway Blitz), with self-deportations at 1.9 million. Supreme Court rulings have largely supported these, with only targeted injunctions: the administration complies while appealing. Border security has reduced crossings to 1970s’ levels, enhancing safety without evidence of systemic racism.
8. Trump as Dictator: No Precedents or Limits
Comparing Trump to Putin ignores checks and balances: Over 40 per cent of Project 2025 goals faced court challenges, showing institutional resilience. Precedents exist in executive actions by prior presidents (e.g., Obama’s DACA). Trump’s term has prioritized democracy, with voter turnout high and policies like election integrity reforms strengthening institutions.
In summary, while Dr Bassett raises important historical cautions, evidence shows Trump’s administration advancing prosperity and security through effective policies, not chaos. A strong GOP, focused on results, benefits all Americans.
This article was originally published by Bassett, Brash and Hide.
