The Republican-controlled House last week adopted a resolution denouncing socialism “in all its forms,” but it seems like the Trump administration is trying to have its cake and eat it too. Folks, I almost spilled my coffee reading this one – the administration is now attempting to implement a policy that sounds suspiciously like, well, socialism. The proposal, championed by Vice President JD Vance, would allow stay-at-home parents to collect childcare subsidies by taking the money from a program that assists working parents. So, basically, the government would pay parents about $9,000 per child per year to stay home and raise their children. It’s enough to make you wonder if someone in the White House is having a laugh.
The reaction to this proposal has been, shall we say, mixed. Some conservatives are crying foul, saying it’s downright socialist. Lawrence Jones, a co-host on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends,” called it a “terrible idea” and said it’s socialism. Others, like Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri, are defending the policy, saying it’s a better way to administer an existing welfare program. But tellingly, rather than argue that it’s good small-government conservative policy, they’ve largely argued that it’s a better way to use the money for what they cast as conservative purposes.
Now, I’m no expert, but it seems like the Trump administration has been trying to have it both ways on socialism. On the one hand, they’re denouncing it in all its forms, but on the other hand, they’re implementing policies that sound, well, pretty socialist. It’s like they’re trying to play both sides against each other. The initiative has been met with criticism from some on the right, with former GOP Rep. Bob Good of Virginia calling Vance a socialist and Rep. Chip Roy of Texas warning the administration to “stay out” of the issue.
Some of the defenses of the policy are rather telling. Conservative commentator Michael Knowles said the choice was between reforming the program and leaving it alone, because abolishing the welfare state is a goal “no one even pretends to think is possible.” And Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts said that Republicans should do what they can to use the money for what he cast as conservative purposes. It’s like they’re trying to put a conservative spin on a policy that doesn’t sound very conservative at all.
Trump’s socialistic policies and ideas are nothing new. He’s pursued ideas and policies that a recent former version of the party would surely reject. But because Trump has so dominated his base, the internal criticism has been muted. Some of the more prominent examples include the Trump administration taking ownership stakes in private companies, seeking to create a federal sovereign wealth fund, and bailing out farmers. It’s enough to make you wonder if the GOP has lost its way.
The right has allowed Trump to move the party toward big government, and it’s been a gradual process. With each provocation that his small-government-conservative allies give him a pass on, he moves the ball. They repeatedly give him a few inches, and then he takes a mile. It’s like they’re enabling him to push the boundaries of what’s acceptable in the party.
In conclusion, the Trump administration’s attempt to implement a policy that sounds like socialism is just the latest example of the party’s shift toward big government. While some conservatives are crying foul, others are defending the policy as a better way to use existing welfare programs. It’s a confusing time for the GOP, and it’s hard to see how they’ll reconcile their denunciation of socialism with their implementation of policies that sound, well, pretty socialist. As I finish my coffee, I’m left wondering what’s next for the party – will they continue down this path, or will they try to find their way back to their small-government roots? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – it’s going to be an interesting ride. 🙄
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
