Government College University

(GCU) Lahore

Democracy and Governance

Topic: Far right politics in USA with reference to

political and economic governance in Trump’s era

Submitted To:
Dr. Saqib

Submitted By:
Muhammad Abdullah Javed
Roll No: 4330-BS-PS-21

B.A. (Hons.) POLITICAL SCIENCE (Semester 5)

 Contents
Abstract
Introduction
 Overview of Far-right politics
 Analyzing the far right influence on political and economic governance
during Trump’s presidency
Rise of far right politics in USA
 Historical context and roots of far right ideologies
 Factors contributing to the rise of far right politics in USA

Trump’s presidency: Political landscape

 Rise of populism
 Trump’s unconventional election campaign
 Policy decisions reflecting far right ideologies
 Nationalism and isolationism
 “America first” policies

Economic governance under Trump

 Deregulation and its impact on various industries
 Tax policies and economic nationalism
 Trade wars and tariffs

Criticism
o Criticism of far right politics on social media and cultural grounds
o Economic critiques
o Black lives matter
o Never Trump movement

Conclusion
 Reflection on the far-right politics in Trump’s era
 Consideration of ongoing political dynamics
Abstract
This summary offers a short description of a number of studies examining the complexity of
the influence of far-right politics on American governmental and economic leadership. The
ideology behind the rise of far-right movements is explored further, taking a close look at
how they have been gaining traction in American politics. A special focus is placed on the
influence of far-right ideologies on the internal arrangement of administration bodies, as well
as their effects on economic policies and governance. The research employs multidisciplinary
methods of political science, sociology and economic theory on extreme right’s outlook on
matters such as immigration, trade and welfare. The paper also examines how far-right actors
might contribute to a shift in the power balance and the undermining of democracy. The
research applies case studies and empirical analysis to identify specific instances where far-
right ideologies have shaped political and economic governance, detailing the consequences,
short-term politics and long-term institutional changes.
Introduction
Far right politics means political views to ultra-conservatism, loyalty and often time
authoritarianism. There are some typical tendencies followed by the adherents such as strong
centralized management, proper social order and many times negative feelings towards the
immigrants. Globalization, multiculturalism, and the promotion of traditional values could
serve as arguments in far-right motions. Mostly these beliefs are expressed as populist
phraseology and leaders saying to show the real interests of the country with its government
against internal or external cautions. The far right groups can be as different as the extreme
right, depending on radical person who loves his / her country parties to more strife
accompanying bias parts and intolerance.

Rise of Far Right Politics in USA

Populism, love of one’s country, and antagonistic-institution beliefs become more evident as
far-right politics in the USA rises. Economic fears, illuminating changes and what appear
dangers to established values drives far-right turns cause friction. The emergence of those
echo chambers has been influenced to some extent by social news, governmental
dissemination, and frustration with the reality. This is evident in the increase number of
officers who represent the position one advocate for provisional immigration tactics,
challenge world partnership, and query representative norms. Far-right’s impact bears
connections with communal unity, compulsive speech and course of American management.

Historical context and roots of far-right ideologies

The roots of far-right beliefs in the USA can be tracked to miscellaneous classical factors.
One key influence is the post-Civil War day, all along Reconstruction, when silver
supremacists opposed efforts to empower African Americans. The Ku Klux Klan arose all the
while this time, advancing racist beliefs and utilizing violence to threaten African Americans.
In the intervening-20th centennial, the civil rights motion disputed integral racism, superior to
a retaliation from few silvery Americans who antagonistic integration and movement for
equal rights for women. This opposition establish governmental verbalization in figures like
George Wallace, a segregationist head1. The 1960s more proverb the rise of right-section
paramilitary groups, indicating antagonistic-government emotions. The 1990s endorsed the
Oklahoma City bombardment, showing of domestic disorder by Timothy McVeigh, the one
was stimulated by anti-administration and bigoted ideas.
The 21st century has visualized the revival of far-right beliefs, often inflamed by business-
related anxieties, enlightening changes, and anti-alien emotions. The Tea Party change,
arising in the late 2000s, reflected a strain legitimate-extension populism. The 2010s proverb
the rise of the alt-right, obvious by silver love of one's country and xenophobia, judgment a
floor on friendly media. These archival ancestries focal point the complex interaction of race,
politics, and socio-financial determinants in the incident of far-right ideologies in the USA.

1
Salvador Santino F. Regilme, The decline of American power and Donald Trump: Reflections on
human rights, neoliberalism, and the world order, Geoforum, (102), 157-166,
Factors contributing to the rise of far right politics in USA
Various factors can explain why far-right politics is emerging in the United States. These
factors include both classic streams and contemporary waves. With economic anxieties
combined with the cultural shifts and governmental dissemination, there is an environment
that fosters the spread of far-right beliefs.
Economy
Dissatisfaction with the economy is one useful aspect. Globalization and other concerns has
transformed the economic landscape, better than job relocation and wage stagnation some
portion of the population. Such people rely on such far-right development that will protect
local business and provide jobs for rural population. The ensuing financial risk could be ideal
grounds for wayward civil servants who would exploit such concerns to benefit their political
agendas.
Change in Culture
To some extent, cultural changes, math shifts and discussions on correspondence government
also follow suit. The increasing diversity of the American people has caused concerns among
some who perceive such changes as threats to their average intelligence and traditional
values. The far-right frequently capitalizes on these anxieties, advocating for nativism as well
as the belief in antagonistic aliens as a means of preserving the facade of enlightened unity.
Political dissemination
This has also fueled the rise of far-right government, through political dissemination and
erosion of trust in state organizations. This has led to increased distribution of dissemination
middle from two point’s governmental bodies in the modern period 2. Consequently, it has
created an environment where the extreme beliefs can brush themselves up, with a situation
leaning towards more radical positions that act as a form of governmental protest or
rebel. People could be prompted towards far-right campaigns that present themselves as
outside of the established order when discontent is linked to ongoing campaigning.
Media
This rise of friendly Television has enabled the propagation of far right-wing ideologies at the
speed of thought and they are getting a wide spectrum of audience. Extreme views are
exacerbated and intensified by online echo chambers as virtual societies that endorse and
radicalize people. It contributes to the dissemination of misconceptions about sense through
these forums. These misconceptions, in turn, are used by rightwing extremists for inciting
other wrongheaded beliefs.

Trump’s presidency: Political landscape

Rise of Populism
2
Campos, R. D. E. (2023), The International Turn in Far-Right Studies: A Critical Assessment, 1(1)
It is evident that populism arose during Trump’s rule with the “America First” agenda that
aimed to serve the interests of the American masses against foreign responsibilities. The most
renowned example was Trump’s stance on immigration. It would tighten emigration
procedures, advocate for a border divider with Mexico, and echo among those economically
and culturally threatened by emigration. Not only did this self-governance approach sustain
an argument against emigration, but it also contributed to a broader sentiment of patriotic
love. The mentioned policies were appealing because they were representative of so many
words about issues with which a considerable part of the voters identified themselves.

Trump’s unconventional election campaign

Leaving the common political planning, the 2016 political campaign by Donald Trump could
clearly be seen in its individualism approach. A noticeable aspect included effective use of
social television, more specifically twitter, as an uncensored avenue through which the public
could express opinions in real-time. Trump’s bizarre and disputable tweets enabled him to
bypass regular publishing and talk straight to welcoming fanatics.
Moreover, Trump’s personal commitment to a certain idea, such as rallies and massive public
events, makes him stand out. At a time when the country was filled with such rallies, he had a
feeling of the related welcome followers. The events would have been more like entertaining
spectacles resembling governmental assemblies, with angry mobs and Trump’s unscripted
statements. This action helped create a welcoming atmosphere for the general
public. Additionally, the adoption of mottos and tainting was noteworthy. Trump’s “Make
America Great Again” slogan echoed with several voters who believed in escape by growth
and economic transformation3. Allure influence in this case was due to the integrity and
clarity of the communication.

Policy decisions reflecting far right ideologies

Throughout his management, the people whom Donald Trump chose to work with always
manifested far-right viewpoints which could be classified as either supporting or criticizing
these perspectives. This was represented in his hardline stance on immigration, calling for
stringent border checks and a much-maligned Berlin wall. Trump’s perspective of state
freedom meant a powerful militarily spirit and withdraw from international deals such as the
Paris Climate Agreement and Iran Nuclear Deal that accompanied far right originality
sentiments. To an extent of tax cuts and deregulation, conservative economics matched with a
free-market standard emphasizing capitalism. In general, Trump’s administration was
characterized by a departure from the usual Republican outlook and an attempt to replace old-
fashioned politics through a more personal and patriotic extreme right agenda, which initiated
discussions about the nature of the US political system.

Nationalism and Isolationism

Under president Trump, U.S. foreign policy was determined by nationalism and
isolationism. America first policy meant putting domestic interests ahead of working together
with other countries. His decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and the Trans-
3
Meghnad Desai, Political economy of Donald Trump, 2016, 11-12
Pacific Partnership demonstrated he was a turn toward isolationism. These were a few
examples of the trade disputes that his protectionist policies evoked, in particular with
China4. The “muslim-ban” and border wall were representative of a nationalist perspective on
immigration. They further created tensions with other countries and raised questions on the
American commitment to world order. While the defenders of isolationism praised focusing
on domestic issues, critics stated that this would mean the demise of the USA as a world
leader.

“America first” policies

The “America First” policy that was attributed to President Donald Trump puts American
interests ahead of global concerns. This includes guarding of domestic diligence,
renegotiating the trade deals and tightening on public security. Supporters maintain that it
protects employment and autonomy whereas detractors are concerned about implicit
isolationism, stress on world partnerships, as well as harmful products to respect. The policy
is a manifestation of a nationalist and protectionist turn which challenges the norm of
international collaboration.

Economic governance under Trump

Deregulation and its impact on various industries
Deregulation and reduced governance of diligence were key policies pursued during the
Trump era. The intention was to stimulate profitable growth in fields such as finance, energy,
and environmental protection. The fiscal assiduity relaxed the provisions of the Dodd-Frank
Act, whereas the energy sector experienced a deregulation on the environment
standards. Such approach encouraged business creation as well as creation of jobs 5. Despite
that fact, enterprises involved in implicit pitfalls were still criticised for instance, on negative
environmental effects and lessened consumer protection. Deregulation under Trump’s
administration illustrated a trend towards the conducive business ecosystem, although its
long-term influence is still being questioned by policy makers, as well as business partners.

Tax policies and economic nationalism

Profitable nationalism docket under President Trump was based on duty programs. To foster
profitable growth, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 cut taxes for business operations and
provided tax cuts for personalities. Guarding American businesses and workers was the core
of policy. However, there was no significant effect for these benefits with a greater advantage
accruing to the fat. A combination of tariff cuts and patriotic-nationalism was intended to
boost domestic diligence, but it remained an area for constant political and profit driven
discussion within Trump’s administration.

Trade wars and tariffs

Since 2017, the U.S has had tough business climate with some of these countries like
China. This led to the introduction of tariffs on a variety of commodities and issuing a
subpoena on the question of trade imbalance brought about by other companies copying
4
Hatch, M. T. (1993). Domestic Politics and International Negotiations: the Politics of Global
Warming in the United States. 2(2), 1-33
5
Meghnad Desai, Political economy of Donald Trump, 2016, 11-12
original work. This gave birth to a business war with rebuttal from troubled countries’ own
government. However, the critics raised concerns about the economic implications and
damage to the worldwide trade linkages while Trump contended that excise was protecting
the American sectors. It was active throughout, in sync with the negotiations and the shift of
tactics that affected the movement of the profession welcoming the administration.

Criticism
Criticism of far right politics on social media and cultural grounds
Far-right campaigning was put under scrutiny, on public news and enlightening fronts, while
Trump’s tenure lasted. Critics believed that this flow enabled dissenting rhetoric in support of
a reverse organization. There were apprehensions about the emergence of intense dedication
to a belief or a nation since it can undermine integration and pluralism. In battlefields of
ideologies, social publishing principles heightened charges of distortion and amplified echo
chambers of fanatics’ opinions. The evolution of far-right parties likewise is accused of cases
of hate talk and intolerance within the far-right circles contributing to the hostile climate.

Economic critiques
Critics of Donald Trump’s commercial approaches say that tax reductions favored the rich
too much and irritated salary inequality. For example, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was
seen as a spoiling of corporations and top earners, with limited trickle-below effects. Critics
claimed that the trade wars initiated by Trump 6, specifically those involving China, resulted
into increased excises and damaged numerous supply chains across different industries. The
ballooning national debt concerns likewise stood about from talkative monetary policies.

Black lives matter

The “Black Lives Matter” protests which were directed towards trump focused around racial
bias and policeman brutality. Activists examined the welcome responses to such a
phenomenon as George Floyd’s after life and blamed him for lack of empathy and
incompetency procedures. Trump’s presidency is systemic change, ethnic variations and
demand for fair cops.

Never Trump movement

During the Republican party “Never Trump” emerged as a faction against Trump’s
nomination and later his administration. The conservatives, moderates, and Republican
establishment did not concur with his style of speech, political strategy, and
governance. Questions relating to welcoming approach, multilateral trade and emigration to
his disposition and conservative stance. This motion is proposed considering fears that Trump
will emerge as the Republican nominee in 2016 and his desire for alternative
competitors. Trump ensured the choice and election process against dissent and showcased
differences even in the body.

Conclusion
6
Short, N. (2017). On the Subject of Far-Right-Wing Politics. Critical Sociology, 43(4-5), 763-777
Far-right politics made a great impact in the Trump era, and shaped US political and
economic governance that is still felt today through its government’s policy. Far-right
ideologies rise erect an important podium in the formulation of discourse and policies for the
Trump presidency. This can be observed in areas relating to emigration, patriotism,
nationality, and approaches to public issues. Emigration techniques were one significant area
where far-right influence was depicted. The state pursued a belligerent line, calling for
rigorous border regimens and strict immigration policies. Nothing resistance strategy, which
was used during the process of separating children, drew a huge volume of
criticism. Although there were a few advocates who celebrated these measures as a necessary
step toward freedom of the country, there were also critics who pointed out that they were a
sign of deviation from America’s commitment to grace and inclusion.
Far-right government, as incorporated Trump administration’s agenda, centered on economic
liberalism and tax reduction. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, one of the notable milestones
of law making endeavors, intended to boost the frugality through decreasing the corporate
and individual tax rates. Supporters claimed that this gave birth to task creation and supported
trades before the universal economic cancer. Nevertheless, experts maintained that the
economic procedures unduly favored the rich and worsened the issue of disparity in
remuneration. These issues, however, remained a concern as concerns grew regarding
services and tangible protections despite the importance on deregulation. Trade wars started
with each presidency especially involving China led to higher taxes and logistical delays with
the resultant uncertainties.