In politics, promises are easy to make — but far harder to keep. Few political figures have embodied this better than Donald Trump. Back in 2016, Trump energized millions with bold claims to “drain the swamp,” take on the Federal Reserve, appoint conservative justices, protect state rights on marijuana, and radically reshape America's foreign policy.
Now, in 2025, we revisit Trump's record with a hard libertarian lens. Our brand new podcast episode does exactly that, and it's one you won't want to miss:
🎙 Watch the June 24, 2025 Episode Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUOJS-abqmM
Grading Trump: Libertarian Scorecard
When Trump first took office, libertarians were cautiously optimistic. In a raw 2016 video by Ryan Thompson, recorded November 14, 2016, Ryan stated:
“I wasn't a Trump supporter, but between him and Hillary, Trump seemed like the lesser evil. At least there was some hope for real reform.”
That original video (3,500+ views) can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVGO_R-GrnY
In 2016, Ryan correctly identified Hillary Clinton's deep-rooted corruption, citing the Clinton Foundation's pay-for-play schemes, foreign donations, and unethical profiteering. He also emphasized Trump's promises to:
- Dismantle the Federal Reserve
- Appoint strict constitutionalist Supreme Court justices
- Leave marijuana regulation to the states
- Reduce foreign interventions
- Reject presidential salary for public service
What Happened by 2025?
Federal Reserve: Despite initial rhetoric, Trump did little to fundamentally reform or dismantle the Federal Reserve. Monetary policy remained firmly in the hands of central bankers.
Supreme Court: Trump succeeded in appointing multiple conservative justices, shifting the court significantly. Roe v. Wade was overturned, returning abortion laws to the states—a clear win for constitutional federalism.
Medical Marijuana: On federal marijuana policy, Trump largely left enforcement to states, but failed to fully decriminalize or lead federal reform, leaving inconsistencies in place.
Foreign Policy: This is where Trump's promises diverged most dramatically from libertarian ideals. Despite promising non-interventionism, Trump expanded drone warfare, supported Saudi military actions, and in one of the most concerning moves, authorized strikes against Iran. These military escalations stand in stark contrast to the peaceful foreign policy libertarians advocate.
Corruption: The podcast also examines Trump's own business dealings, conflicts of interest, and failure to fully sever ties from his private empire during his presidency, drawing uncomfortable comparisons to the very corruption he campaigned against.
The Iran Bombing: Libertarian Outrage
Libertarians, long advocates of non-interventionism championed by figures like Ron Paul, were deeply disappointed by Trump's hawkish actions against Iran. Military aggression not only risked global instability but also betrayed one of Trump’s core promises to avoid costly foreign wars.
The Clinton Comparison: Who Was Worse?
While Trump's record is filled with broken promises, Hillary Clinton's pay-for-play scandals remain egregious. As Ryan Thompson noted back in 2016, the Clintons turned political power into personal wealth on a scale unprecedented in American politics. In 2025, however, the promise to “drain the swamp” seems far from fulfilled.
Libertarian Voices: The Forgotten Alternative
The podcast highlights how voices like Ron Paul, Vermin Supreme, and the broader libertarian movement offered real solutions that neither Trump nor Clinton would ever embrace. Principles like sound money, peace, limited government, and personal freedom remain as urgent as ever.
Tune In Now
If you’re tired of political theater and want the raw truth, this podcast episode delivers:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUOJS-abqmM
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