Results: State Capitalism / Creeping Socialism part two

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scouthoward

08/11/2026

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Politics
The Cato Institute, a conservative think tank, characterized President Trump’s economic environment as state capitalism and a steppingstone toward what they refer to as “creeping socialism.” Cato’s Aug. 28, 2025 report notes, “Trump’s state capitalism – a hybrid between socialism and capitalism – won’t make America great again.” "Trump’s State Capitalism Marks a Radical Break in U.S. Policy" in The Fulcrum is the source for this two-part survey series.
1.
1.
Upon taking office on Jan. 20, 2025, the Trump 2.0 administration shifted America from temporary emergency industry bailouts to a proactive form of state intervention and "creeping socialism." Using taxpayer funds, the administration has expanded its portfolio to include stakes in 28 companies. Do you approve of President Trump's economic approach?
Yes
11%
115 votes
No
47%
468 votes
Undecided
13%
130 votes
Not Applicable
29%
291 votes
2.
2.
The public and private companies the US government has an ownership stake in are listed in the survey's source article. There are two uniquely structured companies with U.S. ownership: 1) a direct equity stake of up to 20% to help Westinghouse Electric Company build a multi-billion-dollar network of domestic nuclear reactors, and 2) a "Golden Share" of U.S. Steel Corporation (X), giving the executive branch direct corporate governance rights and a seat on the corporate board. Do you approve of these last two actions just noted in this question?
Yes
10%
98 votes
No
37%
368 votes
Undecided
19%
190 votes
Not Applicable
35%
348 votes
3.
3.
No one can deny that the Trump 2.0 administration has made a direct pivot toward a state-directed economic environment. Secondly, many countries have struggled and been harmed by state capitalism because it often leads to corruption, inefficiency, and poorly managed resources. Well-known examples include Algeria, Brazil, China, India, the Soviet Union (Russia), and Venezuela—nations the U.S. should avoid emulating. Do you think President Trump understands that he is embracing state capitalism and creeping socialism?
Yes
16%
156 votes
No
33%
332 votes
Undecided
15%
153 votes
Not Applicable
36%
363 votes
4.
4.
The conservative Cato Institute's observation that President Trump has created state capitalism and a steppingstone toward socialism is alarming. America's economic stance from 1776 until 2025 was quite rewarding; we're now in dangerous territory. Congress's passive stance during Trump's economic upheaval brings to mind Plato's famous adage: "silence gives consent." Do you think that a return to rigorous, bipartisan congressional oversight of President Trump is long overdue.
Yes
43%
433 votes
No
11%
111 votes
Undecided
10%
101 votes
Not Applicable
36%
359 votes

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