Even if that is true, Trump also courted the Conservative Nationalist faction of the Republican Party— to the extent of making Vance his running mate. Vance has given numerous speeches explicitly against libertarian ideals, even one called “Beyond Libertarianism.” From all I’ve seen, the Conservative Nationalists are not the republicans of past years (they reject Reagan as an ideal); their call has been for more government, not less — stronger regulations, only in different areas.

Trump may give little hints and nods that people can use to connect dots and come up with some sort of libertarian agenda, but he’s been much more explicit about his excitement over Big State projects, such as foreign wars, tariffs, deportations, etc.. Those have been his rallying cries.

Trump may bring about a few outcomes of which libertarians can approve, as could any candidate. It quickly becomes a “purity test” about what is really libertarian. So far, his record and rhetoric more closely align with Nationalism, and promises of sneering victories in the “Culture War.”

These 11th hour rumors about slashing certain departments are interesting, we will soon see what substance they hold. To the extent libertarian ideas align with his macho-nationalism, there may be some crossover. And, of course, Trump doesn’t always get into the details, some people he promotes might pursue market-oriented or anti-regulatory aims. It may largely depend on how well the Nationalists fare under his administration. His first term saw a volatile changing of the guard every few months.