by Ram ben Ze'ev
As Donald J. Trump’s popularity surges ahead of the 2024 presidential election, one might expect him to have learned from the pitfalls of his first term. Unfortunately, his recent alliances suggest otherwise. Trump’s overtures to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Elon Musk reveal a dangerous pattern: he continues to surround himself with hardcore leftists who are fundamentally opposed to the conservative principles that define his base.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: A Die-Hard Democrat, Not a Conservative Ally
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been a lifelong Democrat, deeply entrenched in a political dynasty that has consistently opposed conservative values. Kennedy’s staunch environmentalism, which includes a fervent opposition to fossil fuels, directly contradicts Trump’s America First energy policy. While Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump might seem like a political coup, it is more likely a Trojan horse.
Kennedy is not a conservative; his views align with the radical environmental Left, which seeks to undermine American energy independence and impose burdensome regulations on businesses. By welcoming Kennedy into his circle, Trump risks alienating his base, who voted for him precisely because he rejected such leftist orthodoxy. The notion that Kennedy could be a trusted ally in advancing a conservative agenda is nothing short of delusional.
Tulsi Gabbard: A Progressive Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, has also found favor with Trump, despite her track record as a progressive. Gabbard’s political career has been marked by her support for Bernie Sanders and her advocacy for policies like Medicare for All—positions that are anathema to conservative principles.
Gabbard’s critiques of the Democratic establishment have earned her some support on the Right, but this should not obscure her deep-seated progressive beliefs. Her foreign policy stance leans heavily towards non-interventionism, a position that, while appealing to some libertarians, is at odds with the more assertive approach favored by many conservatives.
Moreover, Gabbard’s past positions on issues such as healthcare and social justice reveal a politician far more aligned with the Left than with Trump’s vision for America. Trump’s reliance on Gabbard as a potential ally is misguided; she is not a conservative and should not be treated as one.
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Elon Musk: A Technocrat with Progressive Leanings
Elon Musk may be a brilliant entrepreneur, but his political views are anything but conservative. Musk has a history of supporting progressive causes and candidates, and his stance on issues like climate change, global governance, and social equity is often at odds with Trump’s America First agenda.
Musk’s environmental crusades, particularly his push for electric vehicles and renewable energy, align more with the progressive Left than with the conservative Right. His unpredictable political affiliations, which have seen him donate to both Democrats and Republicans, only underscore his lack of ideological commitment.
Trump’s suggestion that Musk could hold a position in his administration is another example of the former president’s dangerous tendency to be swayed by high-profile figures, regardless of their ideological alignment. Musk’s progressive inclinations could easily lead to conflicts within a Trump administration, undermining the very principles that his base holds dear.
The Consequences of Ignoring Ideological Purity
Trump’s willingness to embrace figures like Kennedy, Gabbard, and Musk is a glaring mistake. These individuals are not conservatives; they are leftists with views that are fundamentally incompatible with the principles that underpin Trump’s America First movement.
The former president’s first term was plagued by internal sabotage, much of it stemming from his poor personnel choices. By surrounding himself with leftists and progressives, including those within his own family, Trump allowed his administration to be undermined from within. Now, as he seeks to return to the White House, it appears he has not learned from these mistakes.
If Trump is serious about advancing a conservative agenda, he must prioritize ideological purity and loyalty over the allure of celebrity endorsements and the false promise of bipartisan appeal. The stakes in 2024 are too high for Trump to repeat the errors of the past.
America needs a president who will fight for conservative values, not one who will compromise them by surrounding himself with leftists who have no genuine commitment to the cause. Kennedy, Gabbard, and Musk are not the allies Trump needs—they are the ideological enemies he should avoid at all costs.
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited, SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue