Want to create an interactive transcript for this episode?
Podcast: The David McWilliams Podcast
Episode: Trump, Tariffs & the Gold Rush: The McKinley Playbook
Description: What do Donald Trump and William McKinley have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, we dig into the economic and political legacy of America’s 25th president, the so-called Napoleon of Tariffs, and explore why Trump sees him as a role model. From trade wars to big business alliances, McKinley reshaped America’s economic landscape through protectionism and expansionism, laying the groundwork for the country’s rise as a global power. But his presidency also triggered a powerful counter reaction, one that led to the breakup of monopolies, progressive reform, and a seismic shift in U.S. pol...