Letters | Trump is the voice of the frustrated, the poor, the masses

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The support for Trump can be explained through public choice theory, which suggests people make political decisions based on their self-interest, similar to economic choices. Faced with financial hardship and issues like illegal immigration, many ordinary people prefer leaders who address immediate economic concerns to those who advocate for more idealistic policies. This rationale aligns with why Turkish and American individuals, dealing with similar issues, favoured Trump. The Turkish phrase tuzu kuru olmak is used to refer to people without financial worries who have the luxury of focusing on idealistic issues.

Unlike typical US presidents, Trump takes a pragmatic, centrist approach to foreign policy, often bypassing Congress, which also appeals to countries with centralised power.

Trump was elected in the United States because of his appeal to lower-income and less educated voters who felt neglected by traditional politicians and find in him a voice of their frustrations. However, the world has changed since his first presidency. His unpredictable style and constant focus on the short term may not work as well in today’s complex global environment. Governing effectively requires balancing immediate needs with long-term ideals. Can Trump meet the requirements?

M. Ali Koçakoğlu, associate professor, Harran University Sanliurfa Vocational School of Social Sciences