On December 2, 2023, President Donald Trump spoke to an enthusiastic crowd at a community college gym in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His speech focused on the conservative movement he started in 2015 and highlighted the influence of Pat Buchanan, a figure many younger conservatives are beginning to embrace.
As Trump mentioned Buchanan, a cheer erupted from a group of College Republicans in the audience. This unexpected reaction showed that younger conservatives are connecting with ideas that have been overlooked for years. They are not just rejecting progressive views; they are also moving away from the traditional Republican stance that has focused on market-driven policies.
These young conservatives are drawn to Buchanan’s mix of cultural values and economic nationalism. They are looking to reclaim a sense of identity and purpose that they feel has been lost. Unlike previous generations who might have found solace in Reagan-era optimism, this new wave is more critical of the status quo and is eager for real change.
The backdrop of their discontent includes significant societal shifts: the rise of multiculturalism, a consumer-driven culture, and a leftward shift in politics. For many, the Great Recession was a wake-up call, revealing deeper issues in American society. Young people, in particular, felt that the America they knew did not match the ideals of their parents’ generation. They see a future that feels uncertain and challenging.
By the time Trump announced his candidacy in 2015, a group of young men had already begun to reject the tired ideas of mainstream conservatism. Initially, they rallied around Trump’s populist message, but over time, their beliefs have evolved into a more structured ideology. They are no longer satisfied with traditional conservative talking points. Instead, they want to address issues like immigration and foreign policy in ways that reflect their values.
Buchanan’s book, "The Death of the West," has become a crucial read among this new generation. It has influenced not just activists but also politicians, including the current vice president, who acknowledged its impact in a recent interview. This resurgence of Buchanan’s ideas has sparked concern among some conservative leaders who prefer a more moderate approach.
The old conservative consensus is starting to fracture. Many young conservatives are looking for solutions rather than slogans. They are tired of the same empty rhetoric and are demanding a new direction.
While Trump remains a prominent figure in this movement, the future of conservative thought may rest with the younger generation entering politics and media. Their influence will extend beyond elections and into the cultural discussions that shape political movements.
Buchanan, once a lone voice, now finds his ideas resonating in classrooms, podcasts, and discussions among friends. Even if he does not live to see the full impact of this shift, his vision of a nation grounded in faith and cultural heritage may guide the American right for years to come.