It’s a Weird Time to Be a Libertarian

We’re now less than three weeks from Inauguration Day, and libertarians are anxious. On the one hand, the return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office represents the fulfillment of much of what they’ve been preaching for many years in terms of free markets and l…
Prof. Darron Johns · 10 days ago · 2 minutes read


The Libertarian Party: Optimism and Pessimism in a Post-Trump Era

A Glimpse Inside the Party

The Libertarian Party may have played a low-profile role in the 2024 election, but behind closed doors, whispers of both optimism and pessimism abound.

Party chairwoman Angela McArdle remains steadfast in her belief that even with the possibility of a second Trump administration, progress can be made. Trump's promises to pardon Ross Ulbricht and appoint a libertarian to his Cabinet have left McArdle enthusiastic.

Balancing Hope and Reality

However, not all party members share McArdle's optimism. Party secretary Caryn Ann Harlos admits that while she maintains a hopeful outlook, it can sometimes cloud her judgment. Her previous belief in Gary Johnson's victory in 2016 serves as a reminder of the gap between aspiration and reality.

The Pessimist's Perspective

John Oliver, a prominent critic of Trump, paints a grimmer picture. While acknowledging the potential for minor victories such as reduced regulation, he cautions against ignoring the broader implications of such changes.

"Is it regulation that protects us from the potential excesses of Elon Musk?" Oliver asks, alluding to Musk's sprawling business empire and the conflicts of interest that could arise from his influence in government.

The New York Times has meticulously documented the complex interconnections between Musk's companies and the government. According to the analysis, Musk's new position could pave the way for a myriad of ethical dilemmas.