Jonathan Chait
An American political commentator and writer who contributes to The Atlantic and other outlets, focusing on American politics and policy.
Timeline (last 90 days)
Jonathan Chait defines populism as a political style that treats political questions as zero-sum conflict, holding that there is a single, clear, simple solution that benefits 'the people,' and that this solution is being blocked by selfish elites.
Chait argues that Trump, far from shaking the economic elite, consolidated them by reaching a 'Putin-style' understanding with the business world: as long as you stay aligned with the ruling party's agenda you get favorable regulation and policy, but you must 'pay tribute' and must not overstep.
Chait analyzes that after Trump's second term more successfully overcame opposition forces, he could no longer play the 'victim of shadow forces,' because every day sends the signal 'I control everything,' and power itself dissolves the narrative foundation of populism.
Chait judges that the populist era will eventually end, but the timing and manner cannot be determined; one key variable is the reversibility of policy—Trump's tariff policy rests entirely on executive action rather than congressional legislation, meaning the next administration can easily reverse it.
All Facts (4)
Jonathan Chait defines populism as a political style that treats political questions as zero-sum conflict, holding that there is a single, clear, simple solution that benefits 'the people,' and that this solution is being blocked by selfish elites.
50%UnverifiedChait argues that Trump, far from shaking the economic elite, consolidated them by reaching a 'Putin-style' understanding with the business world: as long as you stay aligned with the ruling party's agenda you get favorable regulation and policy, but you must 'pay tribute' and must not overstep.
50%UnverifiedChait analyzes that after Trump's second term more successfully overcame opposition forces, he could no longer play the 'victim of shadow forces,' because every day sends the signal 'I control everything,' and power itself dissolves the narrative foundation of populism.
50%UnverifiedChait judges that the populist era will eventually end, but the timing and manner cannot be determined; one key variable is the reversibility of policy—Trump's tariff policy rests entirely on executive action rather than congressional legislation, meaning the next administration can easily reverse it.
50%