The article compares Donald Trump's rising authoritarian populism and protectionist economic policies with those of former president William McKinley. By referencing McKinley, Trump aims to invoke a sense of grandeur and American exceptionalism, indicating his ambition to restore America's global dominance through tariffs and expansionism. Historian Robert Merry discusses McKinley's legacy as a president who harnessed tariffs to elevate the U.S. economy, making significant achievements like funding the Panama Canal. Trump's admiration for McKinley reflects a strategic choice to link his presidency to past leaders who shaped America's economic narrative.
Trump's allusion to McKinley highlights a desire to align himself with historical figures who championed protectionist policies, evoking a spirit of economic nationalism.
Robert Merry emphasizes that McKinley's legacy includes his ability to transform the U.S. economy through tariffs, significantly increasing national wealth and influence.
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