In a striking reflection on societal sentiments, the poet Horace poignantly captured a sentiment that resonates even today: “Odi profanum vulgus,” or “I hate the rabble.” This phrase encapsulates a deep-seated frustration with the masses, a feeling that has persisted through the ages and can be seen in various political discussions today.
During the heated presidential campaign in 1952, Adlai Stevenson famously remarked that even though he was told “every thinking person will be voting for you,” he emphasized the crucial need for a majority. This highlights the often stark contrast between elite opinions and the broader public sentiment, a dynamic that continues to shape electoral outcomes.
On Election Day, a significant portion of the electorate cast their votes against Trump, not necessarily in favor of Harris, but as a repudiation of Trump’s leadership. This phenomenon underscores a critical point: simply having the support of intellectuals and critical thinkers is insufficient if it does not translate into a widespread majority.
I find some solace in the realization that the electoral process in the United States operates under the principles of free and fair elections. Despite Trump’s repeated unfounded claims of a stolen 2020 election—assertions that have done nothing but exacerbate divisions and erode trust in our democratic system—it is clear that the integrity of our elections remains intact. Trump’s disregard for the truth appears to serve his personal agenda, often at the expense of national unity.
Now, we are faced with the undeniable reality: American elections are functioning as intended, while Trump has consistently misled the public. This realization may come as a surprise to some, but it reinforces the importance of truth and transparency in governance.
So, where do we find ourselves now in this complex political landscape?
Trump has emerged victorious, and his plans for his administration include appointing loyalists who align closely with his vision. With the Republican Party holding majorities in both chambers of Congress, the likelihood of implementing many of Trump’s proposed policies becomes increasingly probable.
One of Trump’s significant economic proposals is the imposition of tariffs ranging from 10 to 20 percent across the board. Such tariffs are expected to spark inflation within the United States. As countries targeted by these tariffs retaliate with their own tariffs, the inflationary impact may worsen, creating a complex web of economic repercussions.
Additionally, Trump aims to extend the tax cuts from his first term, further reducing taxes on various income sources, including tips and Social Security benefits. However, these tax reductions are inherently inflationary. When coupled with the inflation already triggered by potential tariffs, they could create a significant financial burden on the economy.
It’s essential to recognize that tax cuts typically lead to an increase in governmental debt. Economists project that if Trump’s policies are fully realized, the national debt could surge by approximately $7.5 trillion over the next decade, posing long-term challenges for fiscal stability.
Moreover, Trump has pledged to deport all undocumented immigrants, a policy that could incur tens or even hundreds of billions of dollars in costs. Presently, the U.S. has about 1.9 million incarcerated individuals, and Trump’s plan to apprehend, detain, and deport around 20 million more raises serious questions about the financial feasibility and ethical implications of such actions.
The logistical challenges are immense, requiring vast resources for enforcement, temporary housing, and transportation. This initiative could further strain the nation’s finances, adding to inflationary pressures and the mounting debt.
Furthermore, the mass removal of millions of workers from the labor market is likely to result in significant labor shortages. This scarcity may drive wages up for the remaining workforce, contributing to additional inflationary pressures on the economy.
This situation could spell disaster for farmers and ranchers in Texas and other states who rely heavily on immigrant labor. Trump’s deportation plan threatens to devastate their businesses, leading to economic instability in rural communities.
If public discontent with these deportations escalates, we could see widespread protests. Trump may resort to deploying the National Guard or even active-duty military personnel to quell unrest, which raises concerns about civil liberties and the militarization of domestic issues.
In typical fashion, Trump will likely take credit for any positive developments during his administration, even when they are unrelated to his policies. Conversely, he will shift blame onto others for any negative outcomes, potentially targeting figures like the Federal Reserve Chair, Jerome Powell, despite Powell’s prudent management of monetary policy since his appointment.
As we look ahead to 2026, it’s likely that public sentiment will shift dramatically, particularly as economic conditions deteriorate during Trump’s initial years back in office. The dissatisfaction among the electorate could lead to significant political consequences.
Turning our attention to foreign policy, the implications of Trump’s leadership could be dire. There are concerns that the U.S. may abandon its commitment to Ukraine, destabilize NATO, and face a host of international challenges that could redefine America’s role on the global stage.
It’s crucial to emphasize that I do not wish ill upon America. However, I fear that the choices made today could lead to significant consequences in the future.
On a hopeful note, I anticipate a resurgence of the Democratic Party in 2026. A possible blue wave could see Democrats reclaiming a majority in the House of Representatives. Given the current political climate and the number of vulnerable Republican seats up for election, a shift in power may be on the horizon.
This prediction may come as a surprise to some, but it reflects the changing dynamics of our political landscape.
Yet, despite these potential changes, I find myself still grappling with disdain for the masses.
Mark Herrmann spent 17 years as a partner at a leading international law firm and later oversaw litigation, compliance, and employment matters at a large international company. He is the author of The Curmudgeon’s Guide to Practicing Law and Drug and Device Product Liability Litigation Strategy (affiliate links). You can reach him by email at inhouse@abovethelaw.com.
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