A prominent Republican economist and former adviser to George W. Bush, John McCain, and GOP congressional leaders has voiced strong disapproval of Donald Trump’s economic strategies. In a series of early-morning commentaries sent to a select group of subscribers, he has consistently challenged the effectiveness of Trump’s approach to trade, inflation, and private-sector growth. n nIn an August message, he described the private sector as stagnant, suggesting that current policies are failing to stimulate meaningful expansion. He dismissed the idea that Trump’s tariff measures would be short-lived, calling such optimism unrealistic. On the issue of inflation, he warned in a recent analysis that upward pressure on prices is likely to persist, undermining consumer purchasing power and long-term economic stability. n nHis critiques come at a time when economic messaging is becoming a focal point in national political discourse. While many within the Republican Party continue to support Trump’s agenda, this adviser represents a faction that believes conservative economic principles have been misapplied. He argues that true fiscal conservatism should prioritize market openness, predictable policy frameworks, and restrained government intervention—elements he finds lacking in the current approach. n
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Trump’s economic policy criticized by GOP adviser Doug Holtz
The Republican economist who says Trump is wrong about almost everything n nA top adviser for George W. Bush, John McCain and congressional GOP leaders gives his thoughts on where the conservative project went awry. n nSeptember 6, 2025 at 11:46 a.m. EDTJust now n nEvery weekday morning, a little before 7 a.m., one of the most scathing critiques of President Donald Trump’s economic policy lands in a few thousand email inboxes. n nThe private sector is “dead in the water,” an early August missive asserted. Anyone who thinks Trump’s tariff policy will be temporary is “crazy optimistic,” an April essay predicted. And inflation’s “upward pressures” will continue, Tuesday’s said.