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What J.D. Vance Gets Wrong About Hamilton (and Markets and Milton Friedman)

The Vice President's argument for more governmental intervention in the economy is based upon a morass of misunderstandings.

Jonathan H. Adler | 8.30.2026 5:28 PM

Vice President J.D. Vance believes that conservatives should abandon any commitment to free markets and limited government, in favor of what he characterizes as a more "Hamiltonian" view of government's role in American life and the economy. As Vance has recently explained, the ideas of Milton Friedman can only work if there are "Christian guardrails" and a virtuous citizenry. Insofar as those prerequisites are lacking, Vance suggests, the government needs to take a more active role.

Andrew Langer of the Institute for Liberty explains........

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