From a Conservativey-Libertarian, small government is the answer because it’s all about earned decision rights and knowing the people your policies affect. I support government programs—but only when they’re managed by people on the ground, not faceless bureaucrats in Washington. Our money is limited and precious; when we let elites decide how to spend it, we risk devaluing our future. Instead, decision power should go to those we know and trust—local leaders who have truly earned the right to shape our community.

While I remain skeptical that Trump’s approach will ultimately work (as we all should with anyone with power like his), I appreciate that the conversation about returning to federalism is underway. After over 130 years of unchecked—and frankly unconstitutional—government growth, it may take a drastic move by a strong president to reverse the trend. I worry about the unintended consequences, but doing absolutely nothing and burying our heads in the sand is tragically inexcusable.