The Gilded Age, a time marked by political corruption, materialism, corporate growth, and industrialization. The “Golden Age”, a so-called time of similar factors. One’s term coined by a famous author, the other by a disgruntled president.
The Gilded Age was the foundation of Modern America. A period of blatant and public political corruption (much like what we see in today’s America), materialism, technological growth, massive wealth, and social changes. The rich were richer and the poor poorer. The similarities are striking. Cities suddenly grew, and massive immigration populated those cities.
“This is also the golden age of America, because we are doing better than we’ve ever done as a country… prices are coming down and all of that stuff,” said Mr. President this November. We can only guess what “Golden Age” means to the president. Is it illegally deporting people because they aren’t white men? Is it enriching the 1% even further? Starting a cold war with Europe? Supporting Israel’s genocide of Palestine?
Trump’s enactment of tariffs at an unprecedented rate definitely sparks a resemblance to the industrialization seen in the Gilded Age. Both he and his favorite former President (McKinley) used tariffs. McKinley, who was president from 1897-1901 (Wow! Shocker—during the Gilded Age), levied tariffs on growing industries in competition with foreign countries. Of course, Mr. Trump would be supportive of a corrupt, materialistic, capitalist, industrialized country. His administration is not quiet about their plans for our future, and these plans aren’t positive.
Citations
“Gilded Age | Definition, History, & Mark Twain.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 2019, www.britannica.com/event/Gilded-Age.
Green, Erica L. “Trump Says America Is in “Golden Age,” Straining to Address Affordability.” The New York Times, 18 Nov. 2025, www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/us/politics/trump-mcdonalds-affordability-inflation.html.
“Why Trump Loves Former President McKinley so Much.” NPR, 3 Feb. 2025, www.npr.org/2025/02/03/nx-s1-5272753/why-trump-loves-former-president-mckinley-so-much.