In economic matters, Harding broke with what had been the traditional program of the Republicans: protectionism and high taxes. His defense of the non-interventionist government, which his successors would continue, makes him an object of criticism by those who accuse him of having ended the social, redistributive progressivism that had been defended by the Republicans Roosevelt, Taft and continued by the Democrat Wilson.
By appointing Andrew Mellon as Secretary of the Treasury, whose position was to lower taxes and stop funding protectionism and social assistance, Harding confirmed the change of political paradigm of the Republican Party.
In fact, Mellon persuaded Congress to lower taxes in order to stimulate business expansion, matching with the President's message. He was praised for the economic boom of the 1920s, but criticized during the Great Depression and in 1932, he gave up everything to perform as an ambassador in England.
