Anthony Scaramucci, founder and CEO of SkyBridge Capital, and a former White House communications director under Donald Trump, has expressed his disillusionment with the former president. Scaramucci supported Trump in 2016, believing he would usher in a new era of pragmatic, post-partisan politics. However, he now argues that Trump has failed to deliver on this promise and instead has demonstrated incompetence, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Scaramucci is backing Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, convinced that she represents the path forward for America.
The Shift in Support
Scaramucci’s shift in allegiance is rooted in his belief that Harris can break the cycle of ideological governance. He praises her commonsense policies that align with economic growth and social inclusion, positioning her as a leader who can navigate the complexities of modern America.
The Madison Square Garden Rally
Scaramucci’s recent remarks focus on Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden, which he compares to a notorious pro-Americanism rally from 1939. This historical parallel raises concerns about the rhetoric and themes present at both events. Scaramucci points out the alarming similarities, where Trump has called America a “garbage can” and made derogatory comments about immigrants. Such language, he argues, echoes the xenophobic sentiments of the past, drawing dangerous connections between Trump’s message and those espoused at the 1939 rally.
Economic Implications of Trump’s Policies
Scaramucci warns that Trump’s economic policies are regressive and detrimental to the working class. He highlights studies from respected sources like Bloomberg Economics and The Wall Street Journal, which indicate that Trump’s mass deportation plan could significantly reduce U.S. GDP. Scaramucci argues that these policies primarily benefit the wealthiest Americans while harming the broader economy.
In stark contrast, he notes that Harris’s tax proposals are designed to uplift the bottom 20% of Americans, increasing their real incomes. Scaramucci emphasizes that Trump’s tax plan disproportionately enriches the top 10%, exacerbating economic inequality.
Evaluating Trump’s Record
Scaramucci challenges the Trump campaign’s rhetorical question, “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” He reminds voters of Trump’s failure to respond effectively to the pandemic, leading to widespread hardship. The economic measures implemented during Trump’s presidency, such as poorly targeted COVID-19 stimulus, laid the groundwork for the inflation that followed.
In contrast, the Biden-Harris administration has overseen significant job growth and a thriving stock market, even amid rising interest rates. Scaramucci points out that the economy has added over 15 million jobs, leading to historically low unemployment rates and increased manufacturing jobs compared to Trump’s tenure.
