From Salon · Davina Hurt · · 2m
Trump reversed the Pied Piper’s bargain, and voters stiffed him
Voters rejected Trump’s promises as he reversed his political bargain.
In brief
Voters rejected Trump’s promises as he reversed his political bargain. Voters stiffed Trump after he reversed his pledge to drain the swamp and lower prices. Originally reported by Salon.
Trump and GOP abused public trust
President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement saw political influence collide with everyday realities of the people they sought to lead.
Democrats won historic midterm victories
Democrats flipped Senate seats in Texas and Kansas and won House districts Trump carried two years ago.
Voter approval at 38%
Voter polls placed the president’s approval at approximately 38% with six in ten voters saying he was a factor in their vote.
Trump promised economic relief
Trump promised to drain the swamp, end foreign wars and bring prices down but many questioned whether those promises were kept.
The Pied Piper’s bargain
The original story had the Piper rid the town of rats but Trump now faces an electorate concerned problems multiplied.
Critics say Trump reversed the bargain
Critics argue Trump reversed his bargain by failing to deliver relief while demanding political loyalty.
Trump supporters see different story
Trump supporters point to immigration raids and mass deportations as evidence he delivered on commitments.
Ethical question of political loyalty
When does political loyalty cease to be shared principles and become an abdication of independent judgment.
Hirschman’s loyalty framework
Hirschman distinguished between voice (working to change from within) and exit (abandoning) as voters withdrew allegiance.
Republican lawmakers followed the music
Many Republican lawmakers followed Trump despite reservations knowing dissent could invite primary challenges.
Oath of office commitment
The oath of office is a commitment to uphold the Constitution not a pledge of allegiance to a president or party.
Voters pay consequences of decisions
Economic instability and weakened public trust do not disappear after an election ends.
Democrats face ethical test
Democrats must exercise power with transparency, accountability and respect for constitutional checks.
The one thing
Voters stiffed Trump after he reversed his pledge to drain the swamp and lower prices.
