It absolutely plays well to Middle America while also doing enough to retain the support of establishment Republicans, who care more about things like tax cuts and deregulation. Donald has to be careful how far he pushes the tariff stuff though - he has factions in the party with differing thoughts on that issue.
I am really curious to see if Trumpism outlasts Trump. Has he permanently moved the Party in this direction, or will it revert to more of its former self after he's gone? I don't think it is a foregone conclusion his style of Republicanism persists. The demographic trends don't necessarily favor Republicans over the next 15-30 years, and they will need to adjust their message because of that. Hispanics lean socially conservative and are entrepreneurial and enterprising. There is a message Republicans can concoct to appeal to them, but Dems currently have the upper hand there because immigration is the dominant issue in that community. Republicans ultimately need to try and shift it away from that.
Haley is plausible as a future nominee - she's become more known to the general public over the last few years, has Republican bonafides, and would insulate the GOP from charges that it is racist and sexist if she's the nominee.
