How "conservatives" became radicals — and learned to love big government

In the wake of Donald Trump's return to power in 2024, American conservative thought is experiencing a significant shift. Traditionally held beliefs in free trade, small government, and free market dynamics are being reevaluated as some conservatives advocate for using state power to impose order and virtue on perceived threats like Silicon Valley elites. This shift is confounding to figures like Grover Norquist, long-time champion of reducing government size. Influential voices such as John Daniel Davidson and Jon Askonas are calling for a conservative counterrevolution against corporate technocracy, challenging the notion of free-market conservatism by advocating for state intervention to restore moral and social order.
This ideological transformation carries significant implications, not only for domestic politics but also for international relations. The focus on state power and moral governance echoes elements of common good constitutionalism, a concept gaining traction among some conservative intellectuals. This development suggests a departure from classical liberal economic policies towards a more statist approach, with potential repercussions for global trade partners, immigrants, and international diplomacy. The debate within conservatism highlights the tension between preserving traditional values and adapting to the challenges posed by technology and globalization, with critics warning of the risks of power corruption and the loss of civic virtues.
RATING
The article presents a thought-provoking analysis of perceived shifts in American conservative ideology, particularly in relation to the embrace of big government and the influence of figures like Elon Musk and Adrian Vermeule. While it raises important questions and engages with relevant public interest topics, the article's accuracy is hindered by a lack of concrete evidence and direct sourcing. The narrative leans towards a critical perspective, which may limit balance and result in perceived bias. Despite these challenges, the article has the potential to spark meaningful discussion and provoke debate, especially among audiences interested in political ideology and governance. Enhancing clarity, transparency, and source quality would improve the article's overall impact and reliability.
RATING DETAILS
The article presents several claims about shifts in conservative ideology, such as a move away from traditional beliefs in free trade and small government towards a more statist approach. These claims are partially supported by references to figures like Elon Musk and Adrian Vermeule, but lack concrete evidence or direct quotes from these individuals or their policies. The mention of Grover Norquist's famous statement provides a historical contrast, but the article does not offer specific examples of current conservative policies that align with the described ideological shift. The discussion on Trumpian populism and its alignment with 'common good constitutionalism' is intriguing but requires more substantiation through direct sources or statements from key figures. Overall, while the article raises interesting points, it lacks the precision and source support needed for higher accuracy.
The article predominantly presents a critical view of the current state of conservative ideology, focusing on its perceived contradictions and shifts. While it mentions figures like John Daniel Davidson and Jon Askonas, the narrative leans heavily towards critiquing these perspectives without offering a balanced representation of opposing viewpoints. The piece could benefit from including voices that support the described ideological shifts or providing counterarguments from within the conservative movement. The lack of balance may lead readers to perceive the article as biased against the current conservative trajectory, as it does not adequately explore the rationale or potential benefits of the shifts discussed.
The article is written in a complex and somewhat dense style, which may challenge readers unfamiliar with the specific political and ideological terms used. While the narrative attempts to address a nuanced topic, the lack of clear structure and logical flow can hinder comprehension. The piece jumps between various claims and perspectives without providing sufficient context or explanation, making it difficult for readers to follow the argument. Simplifying the language and organizing the content more coherently would improve clarity and accessibility for a broader audience.
The article references several individuals and concepts, such as Elon Musk, Adrian Vermeule, and John Daniel Davidson, but lacks direct quotes or citations from these sources. This makes it difficult to assess the reliability and authority of the claims made. The absence of attributed sources or links to original statements reduces the credibility of the article. Additionally, the piece relies on broad generalizations about conservative ideology without providing evidence from authoritative sources or studies. The lack of diverse and credible sources undermines the article's overall reliability.
The article does not clearly disclose the basis for many of its claims, such as the supposed shift in conservative ideology or the influence of figures like Elon Musk. There is a lack of transparency regarding the methodology used to arrive at these conclusions, and the article does not reveal any potential conflicts of interest that might affect its impartiality. The absence of context or background information about the sources cited makes it challenging for readers to understand the foundation of the arguments presented. Greater transparency in sourcing and methodology would enhance the article's credibility.
Sources
- https://www.salon.com/2025/05/13/how-conservatives-became-radicals-and-learned-to-love-big-government/
- https://www.salon.com/2025/05/13/how-conservatives-became-radicals--and-learned-to-love-big-government/
- https://www.instagram.com/salonofficial/reel/DGB5x-FRdfv/
- https://yaf.org/news/the-season-of-not-giving-liberals-less-charitable-than-conservatives/
- https://www.propublica.org/article/project-2025-trump-campaign-heritage-foundation-paul-dans
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