Victor Davis Hanson argues that the political shift in America is not a revolution but a counterrevolution, a movement aimed at restoring traditional values, national security, and economic stability. He believes the past 12 years under Obama and Biden pushed the country into a radical transformation, comparable to the French Revolution, where historical narratives, cultural norms, and political structures were reshaped without public consent. Hanson describes Trump’s return as a restoration of common sense and national identity, rather than a dramatic political upheaval. While critics call it the "MAGA Revolution," Hanson insists it is a reversal of progressive overreach. The Obama-Biden era, he argues, introduced major voting changes, historical reinterpretations, gender ideology, and attacks on law enforcement, all without proper public debate. Trump’s response is to undo these policies, restore border security, cut government overreach, and reinforce traditional governance. One of Hanson’s biggest concerns is the decline of national security under Biden. He cites the botched Afghanistan withdrawal, the Chinese spy balloon incident, and weak diplomacy as signs that U.S. deterrence has eroded. Trump, in contrast, aims to increase military strength, use forceful diplomacy, and implement tariffs as leverage against foreign adversaries. Hanson explains that Trump's tariffs on China, Europe, and Latin America are not economic protectionism but a diplomatic tool to enforce fair trade and border security policies. Immigration is another key issue. Under Biden, 12 million illegal immigrants entered the U.S., causing economic strain on border states and working-class communities. Interestingly, Hispanic voters, once aligned with Democrats, are now turning against progressive policies due to rising crime, overcrowded schools, and economic stress. Hanson believes Trump’s strict border policies and focus on deporting criminal non-citizens will resonate strongly with voters in 2024. Hanson also critiques the bureaucratic "Deep State," arguing that Washington agencies have been weaponized to serve progressive interests. He believes Trump will need to dismantle and restructure these institutions, despite facing resistance from career bureaucrats. Hanson sees the Democratic Party at its weakest point in modern history, with approval ratings at record lows. He attributes this to economic mismanagement, extreme social policies, and the alienation of working-class voters. This shift is also happening internationally, as populist movements rise in France, Germany, and the UK, rejecting elitist governance. He references J.D. Vance’s Munich speech, which criticized Europe’s lack of defense spending, free speech protections, and border control. One of Trump’s most effective strategies, Hanson argues, is his ability to provoke discussions through bold statements. By making attention-grabbing remarks—such as buying Greenland or renaming the Gulf of Mexico—Trump forces political elites to address real policy concerns. His strategy disrupts the status quo and brings attention to issues like trade imbalances, security agreements, and sovereignty. Hanson also highlights how MAGA has grown beyond Trump himself. The movement now includes libertarians, disaffected Democrats, and populists who reject establishment politics. However, this expansion brings internal challenges, such as balancing economic nationalism with free-market policies and finding consensus on legal immigration. Finally, Hanson argues that Democrats never expected their progressive policies to be used against them. Many executive orders and legal tactics they once championed under Biden are now being reversed by Trump to implement policies with strong public support. The left’s frustration, Hanson suggests, comes from realizing they created the precedent for Trump’s bold executive actions. Ultimately, Hanson sees this counterrevolution as a necessary correction to a decade of radical progressive policies. The question remains: How far will it go? As Trump pushes back, the left is unlikely to surrender easily, making the next few years a defining period in America’s cultural and political future.
Counter-Revolution - Hanson
Source: Victor Davis HansonDate: February 28, 2025YouTube URL: