In 2018, at a rally in Houston, Donald Trump articulated a distinction that was becoming central to the American right. “A globalist is a person that wants the globe to do well,” Trump said. This involved “not caring about the country so much.” By contrast, he was “a nationalist.” “Really, we’re not supposed to use that word,” Trump went on. “You know what I am? I’m a nationalist, O.K.? I’m a nationalist. Nationalist! Nothing wrong. Use that word. Use that word!” The delighted crowd began chanting, “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!”

Trump’s use of “nationalist” was perplexing to many people. CNN, in its coverage of the speech, connected it to “the protectionist trade policies he has implemented in an effort to boost domestic manufacturing.” This was reasonable—much of Trump’s speech had centered on his

See Full Page