The Opinions Bret Stephens on What Trump Gets Right, Wrong and Really, Really Wrong
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Apr 17, 2025 
Bret Stephens, a New York Times columnist and conservative commentator, dives into the intricacies of political loyalty in today's divided landscape. He shares mixed feelings about Trump's policies, acknowledging some successes while critiquing reckless actions. Stephens discusses the risks of politicizing anti-Semitism in academic settings and the complex reasoning behind Jewish voter support for Trump. He also reflects on the future of conservatism in the Trump era, balancing hope for democratic values with challenges faced by younger conservatives.
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Executive Orders as Ego Play
- Trump loves signing executive orders as a display of dominance and ego gratification.
- This approach contradicts the constitutional spirit of balance and respectful governance.
Balanced Criticism Enhances Insight
- Effective criticism of Trump requires recognizing when he is right or partially right.
- Dismissing everything as bad leads to intellectual blindness and failure to understand his appeal.
Anti-Semitism Issue Masking Illiberal Agenda
- Trump's demands on universities address real issues but mask efforts to destroy academic freedom.
- Using anti-Semitism concerns as a pretext endangers American liberty and debate.