The Evolution of Conservative Intellectualism in the Age of Trump

The conservative intellectual landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly under the influence of former President Donald Trump. In 2024, conservative activist Christopher Rufo co-authored a controversial Substack post titled “The Cat Eaters of Ohio,” which alleged that an African immigrant in Dayton was grilling a cat. Rufo even offered a $5,000 bounty for verifiable evidence of Haitian migrants engaging in similar acts in Springfield, Ohio. However, local officials and subsequent reporting from Drop Site News raised doubts about the veracity of Rufo’s claims. This incident reflects a broader trend where inflammatory rhetoric has gained traction among prominent conservative figures, including Trump and J. D. Vance, who echoed similar narratives about Haitian immigrants.

(The) Atlantic

Historically, influential conservative intellectuals like William F. Buckley and George Will shaped the movement's discourse through their writings in national publications. Buckley, in particular, had the power to influence careers and policy priorities. However, the current landscape is dominated by figures who often espouse more extreme views. For instance, Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson have emerged as leading voices, with Owens' podcast ranking as the fourth-most-popular news podcast on Spotify and Carlson's taking the top spot. This shift indicates a move away from traditional intellectualism towards a more sensationalist and conspiratorial style of communication.

(The) Atlantic

Despite the rise of these new influencers, there is a growing concern among some conservative intellectuals regarding the impact of extremist ideologies on the movement. A senior administration official, speaking anonymously, noted that the right's tolerance for bigoted views has been a product of political dynamics, describing the current extremist factions as “feverish, howling Nazism.” This internal critique suggests that even within conservative circles, there is recognition that the embrace of such ideologies could undermine the broader conservative agenda.

(The) Atlantic

While some conservative figures have publicly condemned the rise of anti-Semitism and white nationalism, their influence appears insufficient to counteract the growing popularity of these views among younger conservatives. The irony lies in the fact that Trump, who has been a key enabler of the right's extreme fringes, has also contributed to the fragmentation of traditional conservative thought.

(The) Atlantic

There are discrepancies regarding the extent to which conservative intellectuals can effectively challenge the rise of extremist ideologies. While some sources indicate a strong condemnation from high-profile conservatives, others suggest that their efforts are not resonating with the broader base, particularly among younger members of the right.

(The) Atlantic

• “framing of this story is disingenuous, littered with factual errors, and even after I have repeatedly corrected them, they are still here.” — Christopher Rufo, Conservative Activist

(The) Atlantic

The evolution of conservative intellectualism in the Trump era illustrates a complex interplay between traditional values and the allure of extremist rhetoric, raising questions about the future direction of the movement.

(The) Atlantic