Why Libertarian Populism?

So yesterday, I had an op-ed published at The American Conservative that argued that libertarian populism was still relevant in the age of Trump. In addition, it provides a possible post-Trump future for the right.

Brad Polumbo, who co-hosts a podcast with Kassy Dillon and serves as the assistant editor at Young Voices, tweeted this.

My main argument is that I don’t see libertarianism and populism in ideological conflict. I see libertarianism as a broad-based movement for greater freedom from government. I view populism as a political tactic.

The dictionary definition of populism is “ a political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups.” Why shouldn’t libertarians embrace that in our messaging?

In many ways, politics already is embracing a libertarian populist message. When we denounce occupational licensing because it privileges special interests and the politicians who regulate them, we are engaging in libertarian populism. When we promote criminal justice reform, especially…