Ben Stein, an economist, actor, and lifelong conservative Republican speechwriter, has expressed complex, mixed views regarding Donald Trump. While Stein has acknowledged voting for Trump and praised specific populist initiatives—such as commitments to combat urban crime and address economic challenges faced by working-class communities—he has also voiced skepticism from an economic standpoint regarding protectionist trade policies, government intervention in private corporate affairs, and the feasibility of certain campaign pledges, maintaining an independent analytical perspective on presidential governance.