Ideological movements originate from set ideas that influence how they propose policies to govern a nation. Even if ideologies may shift over time, they are marked by ideas that guide such evolution. Recently, the ideological movement of modern American conservatism has been changing constantly, not on the basis of ideas.
Conservatives have never been one tight group that always agrees on everything (just like any political group). For example, some conservatives support free trade policies, while others are more economically liberal. Despite these differences, conservatives have generally coalesced around the idea that specific values and systems are worth conserving, even if they need reform over time. For example, American conservatism has often valued individual rights, small yet orderly governments, less regulation, and the importance of faith and family. In conservatism, governing policies are often shaped by such values and systems to ensure a stable society in which individuals can be good, prosperous citizens. Sometimes there are times for reform, and sometimes there are times to stick to what has been tested, tried, and proven true.
However, modern conservatism in America no longer operates on conservative principles as its primary foundation. It is not because conservatives have become fascists, or because the conservative movement has disagreements within itself. It is because the conservative movement and its consciousness have become so preoccupied with one person: Donald Trump.
Conservatives are constantly reacting with or against Donald Trump. If you are a stalwart pro-Trump conservative, you are constantly reacting and changing your opinions based on what he thinks. He will switch from traditionally conservative opinions on abortion or gun rights whenever it seems most practical, or if he just so happens to be led that way. On the other hand, if you are a conservative who wants to criticize or distance yourself from Trump, you’re constantly reacting against him to preserve what you think is conservatism in the onslaught of Trump’s actions. Some days, Trump seems to be following a plan, and other days, observers have no clue what’s going on. Nevertheless, eventually, you find your time consumed with dealing with Trump, rather than being able to push forward a vision for America based on conservative values.
Essentially, Trump is dominating the narrative of what conservatism is about, whether you agree with him or not. It feels as if conservatives lack a coherent way to go about implementing actual goals. Conservatives have to constantly adapt to Trump’s next move, whether that means immediately defending him or having to compromise with him. Congress leaders seem more focused on currying Trump’s favor or avoiding his wrath than on concrete policies and goals that apply conservative principles to the nation’s well-being. Voters seem torn as they see the apparent leader of the conservative movement going against what conservatism has always been about (especially in terms of the issue of abortion). Unfortunately, the only mindset seems to be: “Well, who else can we turn to?”
Perhaps there’s no turning back from this current state of affairs until Trump leaves office. Nevertheless, there are ways to salvage the moment. We must not let ourselves become reactionary, but rather be rooted in something substantial rather than in a rapidly changing personality. We must be willing to hold Donald Trump accountable according to the basic tenets of conservatism: tradition, reform, etiquette, family, religion, morality, and more. Just because he happens to be charismatic and goes against certain radical liberal groups does not absolve him of criticism. In fact, the best thing that could happen to Trump is to be criticized for the very principles we hold dear. We should criticize his verbal behavior towards opponents. We should criticize him when he begins to forget about upholding the dignity of unborn human beings. We should criticize him when his administration commits government overreach rather than trying to cut it down.
Pushing back against Trump might sound overly idealistic to some conservatives, who believe that if we don’t rally behind him, conservatives will lose against their opponents. However, what’s the point of conservatism if it’s not rooted in reliable ideas, but a person who changes based on his own whim and fancies? Moreover, with how things are going, conservatives are bound to lose this upcoming midterm election.
Some accuse the Trump Administration of fascism. However, at least fascism in Italy and Germany operated under frameworks of ideas and worldviews. They were detestable frameworks, but they were nothing like how Trump acts today. There is a lack of coherence in the Trump Administration’s policies. It is as if everything is an improvised TV show, Trump is the host, and we’re all forced to go along with his dizzying improvised chaos every single day. Conservatives will not do anything worthwhile by mindlessly following Trump in this way.