Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff · Democracy at Work, Richard D. Wolff

Analyzing Trump's Mass Support

June 10, 2025·31 min·3 clips

Senator Ernst tells poor Americans they'll die sooner to save money, while she enjoys premium healthcare.

This episode of Economic Update features host Richard Wolff and a second-half interview with sociologist Professor Arlie Hochschild. Wolff analyzes current economic issues, while Hochschild discusses her research into the Trump-supporting MAGA community. The episode aims to provide an economic perspective on policy and understand the motivations of a key political base. Wolff criticizes Republican Senator Joni Ernst for supporting Medicaid cuts and her reported response to constituents concerned about resulting deaths. He highlights a Connecticut labor settlement where 8,000 healthcare workers, earning $18 an hour, avoided a strike after government-assisted negotiations. Wolff argues the U.S. has the world's highest healthcare costs and condemns cutting Medicaid while maintaining tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy. He also presents advertising as a fundamentally dishonest capitalist institution that hypes positives and hides negatives. Professor Arlie Hochschild discusses her latest book, "Stolen Pride," which explores the MAGA movement's base, particularly in Kentucky's 5th congressional district. She notes that in a district where over 80% voted for Trump, 45% did not vote at all and 20% voted for Harris in 2024. Hochschild finds her subjects are "more dug in" despite Trump's proposed cuts to programs like Medicaid, which 45% of them rely on. One supporter explained their stance using a "sick patient" metaphor, viewing necessary economic pain as "chemo" from the "tariff doctor," Donald Trump. A pastor from Pikeville, Rob Music, described the region as a "social desert" hollowed out by job loss, leading to loneliness and vulnerability to charismatic leaders. Hochschild points to a surprising survey showing 73% of Republicans want the U.S. to be a world leader in renewable energy, even in this former coal district. She suggests Democrats could build crossover appeal by supporting local initiatives, like a community weather forecaster organizing storm relief, and linking them to a green agenda. Hochschild notes significant fear of China within this community, though they don't connect it to U.S. renewable energy policy. The episode's tone is primarily analytical and educational, with Wolff's segments being critical and polemical. The interview with Hochschild is conversational and grounded in sociological fieldwork, emphasizing empathetic understanding. Listeners interested in left-wing economic critique and nuanced, on-the-ground analysis of Trump's political base would appreciate this episode. Those seeking neutral reporting or who are opposed to Marxist economic frameworks might choose to skip it.

As heard by us

A sharp look at advertising and Trump support, with Wolff tying power to the everyday way people are persuaded.

The episode gets sharper once Richard Wolff turns from the opening policy material to advertising. He treats persuasion as something that can dress up the good, bury the bad, and make ordinary communication feel a little less honest than it should.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

If you want a serious explanation of Trump's base, start here.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff