This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIMEs politics newsletter. If you want to receive insightful stories like this straight to your inbox, consider signing up. Last Thursday evening, the opulent atmosphere of a gala echoed with the unspoken presence of former President Donald Trump, as billionaire industrialist Charles Koch took center stage. Although Koch never directly mentioned Trump, the context of his remarks indicated that the former presidentand his controversial policieswere on everyones minds. At 89 years old, Koch, a prominent figure in the political right and a major proponent of free-market principles, expressed his concerns about a growing trend of abandoning foundational beliefs in favor of power-driven solutions. He stated, With so much change, and chaos, and conflict, too many people and organizations are abandoning these principles and turning to power to solve problems.

Kochs statement resonated deeply, as he reflected on the dangers of losing sight of core principles, emphasizing the historical lessons that demonstrate how such losses can lead to the erosion of both freedom and progress. His reflections came during a gala organized by the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank he founded, which proudly champions individual liberty and economic freedom. The remarks he delivered seemed almost timeless, echoing the sentiments he might have expressed a decade ago or even a decade in the future. However, they were particularly salient in May 2025, a period characterized by Trumps aggressive and risky strategies regarding global trade, which many view as unprecedented in recent history.

You can see why were in the mess we are today, Koch elaborated, referring to the political and economic turmoil that some attribute to the aggressive power plays associated with Trumps movement. This comment was sharp and clear, highlighting the economic challenges that surfaced during the early months of Trumps second term. The President recently commemorated his 100th day in office with a report from the Commerce Department revealing that the economy had contracted during his first quartera troubling sign for any leader. Moreover, his ongoing trade war has significantly disrupted consumer purchasing behaviors, instilled uncertainty among U.S. consumers, and rattled the stock market to its core. The consequences of Trumps fluctuating tariff policies are beginning to hit consumers hard, with noticeable price increases emerging as a result of his inconsistent strategies.

For those who share Kochs ideological perspective, the situation represents a classic case of government overreach. Koch and the principles of free-market economics have long been intertwined. Throughout his career, Charles Koch, alongside his late brother David Koch, has played a crucial role in conservative politics by funding various initiatives aimed at promoting small government and deregulation. One of the most significant contributions has been Americans for Prosperity (AFP), a conservative grassroots organization that boasts a powerful network of volunteers, advertisements, and grassroots outreach efforts. This organization has been integral to bolstering Republican campaigns and policies over the decades, with targeted initiatives focused on reaching diverse demographics, including veterans, young voters, voters of color, and women all of which have proven to be strategic investments for the Koch family and their circle of affluent allies.

Despite their considerable influence, it has often been a misconception for Republicans to assume that Charles Koch and his network will offer unwavering support. In the past, Koch-affiliated entities played a significant role in facilitating Trumps tax cuts during his first term; however, they were quick to re-engage in advocacy efforts to extend these cuts even before Trump returned to Washington. Additionally, Kochs network collaborated with Trump on significant reforms, including a major overhaul of the criminal justice system, and supported efforts to provide terminally ill patients with access to unapproved medical treatments from the FDA.

Nonetheless, there have been points of contention between Koch and Trump. For instance, Kochs organizations opposed Trumps travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries and expressed disapproval over his strict immigration stance. They have also actively advocated for the legal recognition of Dreamers. The Koch network largely refrained from supporting Trump during the 2016 election, having explored other potential candidates who ultimately did not secure the nomination. In 2020, the Koch political machine once again chose to distance itself from the presidential race, redirecting its efforts toward Senate races instead. Fast forward to the present day, and their political apparatus invested a staggering $42 million to attempt to prevent Trump from securing the nomination for a third consecutive time. Notably, their flagship political organization, Americans for Prosperity, has allocated nearly $160 million in political advocacy over the last election cycle, choosing not to contribute financially to Trumps campaign.

Despite his recent political missteps, Koch and his supporters remain undeterred in their commitment to their ideals. At the gala, a promotional video showcased criticisms directed at Koch from various public figures, including Bernie Sanders, Tucker Carlson, and Lou Dobbs. This elicited laughter from the audience, signifying the polarizing nature of Kochs influence. The applause that followed when Cato Institute President and CEO Peter Goettler addressed the audience with a firm declaration of their principles indicated that Kochs supporters are still fervently engaged in the political conversation. We will always oppose when a policy is moving in a direction that contradicts these principles, Goettler stated. He emphasized their commitment to resisting policies that undermine the rule of law or threaten business and prosperity globally.

For nearly half a century, proponents of free-market ideology and libertarian principles have denounced the very kind of government intervention that Trump has implemented. The notion of a hands-off approach to the market remains sacrosanct among Kochs followers. It was also noteworthy that Koch was in attendance to accept the 2025 Milton Friedman Prize for Advancing Liberty, named after the esteemed economist who was a staunch opponent of tariffs. In an era where tariffs have become a defining feature of political discourse in Washington, Kochs acceptance of this award underscores the continued tension between his long-held beliefs and the current administrations policies.

For those seeking to understand the intricacies of Washington politics, subscribing to the D.C. Brief newsletter is a valuable opportunity.