Imagine a world where the principles of a political party are at stake—not from the opposing candidate—but from within. This article is for students who have identified with conservative ideals of fiscal responsibility, national security, and law. Paradoxically, Donald Trump’s “Republican” policies differ so dramatically from these values that Kamala Harris represents a frustrating, but necessary, choice for Republican voters.
Trump consistently strays from conservatism, undermines national security and disregards constitutional norms. His economic policies, which combine tax cuts for the wealthy with increased spending, mark a sharp break from the traditional Republican focus on balanced budgets and deficit reduction. Though he boasts that his tax cuts showed his commitment to limited government intervention, the failure to cut spending guaranteed this policy’s impermanence. This irresponsibility reflects a broader disregard for conservative principles and Republican norms.
Regarding his foreign policy, Trump’s skepticism toward NATO and friendly relations with autocrats like Putin, Orbán, and Erdoğan mark a break from the Republican Party’s commitment to global leadership and democratic alliances. Former President George W. Bush, in his second inaugural address, declared that “the survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands.” In contrast, Trump has considered withdrawing the U.S. from NATO, a 75-year-old alliance vital to European stability, though the Joint Chiefs of Staff convinced him to reconsider.
Renzo Ogami ’26 commented, “It’s surprising that [Trump] attacked NATO.”
Trump’s indifference toward democratic values and established international commitments should be unrecognizable to the traditional Republican Party.
Trump’s attacks on democratic institutions threaten the Republican legacy of principled politics. His legal troubles extend beyond 34 felonies and two impeachments. He has been fined for misusing funds from his charity, defrauding over 5,000 tenants, discriminating against Black and Latino applicants, and been found civilly liable for sexual assault. Although one could argue that these are politically motivated prosecutions, wouldn’t it be irresponsible to ignore the possibility of a single case’s credibility?
Tomas Gonzalez ’26 noted, “[Harris] seems more professional.”
Harris embodies a commitment to Presidential conduct, making her a necessary alternative in a chaotic political landscape. A vote for Harris can help fight extremism and reconstruct the relative stability of pre-Trump American politics.
