Monday, September 1, 2025

Irwin Stelzer: Trump has substituted state capitalism for market capitalism

 

 Trump sees off the free-market capitalism that enriched America

... In short, the extent of presidential control of the economy has not been seen since the end of the Second World War. Trump has added to his influence over macroeconomic policy by levying tariffs, another name for taxes. He is in the process of gaining control of monetary policy by packing the Fed board and firing an existing board member for alleged mortgage fraud, no trial necessary.

Fed independence, done and dusted, control of the macroeconomy complete, he is turning his attention to the independent players that make up the microeconomic economy. With sycophants in seats once occupied by powerful advisers and the opposition Democrats in disarray, effective resistance to Trump’s power push is negligible. ...

Now, as president, he is favouring visitors with baseball caps emblazoned “Trump in 2028”.