The current state of the U.S. government under President Trump, marked by economic downturn, a dysfunctional Congress, and a public feud with Elon Musk, raises serious questions about Republican priorities. The administration’s actions, including damaging tariffs and reckless spending, appear to directly contradict the party’s purported commitment to the working class. This chaotic political climate, fueled by partisan loyalty, seems to prioritize power over effective governance and economic stability. Republican voters’ apparent acceptance of this situation suggests a willingness to sacrifice national well-being for ideological reasons.
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Former Obama advisor Susan Rice criticized President Trump’s reported receipt of only twelve presidential daily briefings in over 100 days, deeming this a significant oversight. Rice highlighted the lack of a structured decision-making process within the Trump White House, questioning the President’s access to crucial intelligence information. She argued that such infrequent briefings would be considered a major scandal for any other president, raising concerns about the President’s preparedness and decision-making capabilities. Reports indicate efforts are underway to reformat the briefings to better suit Trump’s preferences.
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The planned June 14 military parade, coinciding with the President’s birthday, exemplifies the grandiose narcissism often seen in powerful political figures. This behavior, mirroring patterns of narcissistic abuse in families, destabilizes institutions through the manipulation of truth and the creation of volatile uncertainty. Such tactics, including policy reversals and crisis manufacturing, aim to control others emotionally and maintain the narcissist’s image. Countering this requires recognizing these manipulative tactics, setting boundaries, and building resilience through collective action.
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Mounting evidence suggests the Trump family disregards ethical concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest stemming from the presidency. This is exemplified by the acceptance of a Qatari plane, despite ongoing business dealings in the country, and a dinner hosted at his golf course for major investors in his cryptocurrency. The family’s dismissal of criticism, coupled with their renewed pursuit of foreign deals despite prior claims to the contrary, indicates a conscious decision to prioritize personal financial gain over ethical considerations. White House denials notwithstanding, experts highlight the lack of blind trust and continued potential for influence-peddling through family businesses.
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During a recent speech, Donald Trump boasted about securing both the Olympics and the World Cup for an unspecified location, crediting his relationship with FIFA head Gianni Infantino. He expressed concern that his accomplishments would be forgotten, transitioning into his claims of a stolen 2020 election. Trump vowed to run again, framing his candidacy as retribution for the alleged electoral fraud. His remarks focused on personal achievements and grievances regarding the election results.
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The 2025 Democracy Perception Index reveals a sharply negative global perception of the United States, a 31-point decrease from 2024, with President Trump receiving the lowest overall rating among world leaders. Singapore and Switzerland received the highest positive ratings, while Iran and Israel had the most negative. This negative perception of the U.S. contrasts with its higher ranking in other recent surveys, highlighting the divergence in global opinions.
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Donald Trump’s presidency exhibits numerous characteristics of an autocratic regime, including disregard for scientific consensus, assault on legal institutions, and erosion of civil liberties. Political scientists utilize models of incremental autocratization, identifying the U.S. as having already progressed through three stages: social turmoil, a project of radical change, and a decisive electoral victory. The nation now teeters on the fourth stage, dismantling checks and balances, evidenced by threats to judicial authority and the potential for unlawful detention. Continued movement along this path risks further infringement of basic rights and freedoms, transforming the U.S. into a competitive authoritarian state.
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In response to Mattel’s price increase due to President Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods, Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Mattel toys, effectively barring them from their largest market. Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz stated that the company does not plan to manufacture in the U.S., aiming for efficient, cost-effective production elsewhere while maintaining American design and creativity. Despite acknowledging the increased cost of toys resulting from his tariffs, Trump rationalized this as a trade-off, and Vice President Vance further defended the tariffs, linking them to increased domestic weapons production and national security. Mattel plans to reduce its reliance on Chinese imports to 15 percent by 2026.
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Ruhle’s commentary highlights President Trump’s inconsistent trade policies, particularly concerning tariffs on China and a seemingly fabricated trade deal with the U.K. This wavering approach, coupled with decreasing cargo shipments, is predicted to cause a COVID-like supply chain crisis within three weeks. Trump’s recent softening of his stance suggests he is seeking a way out of his self-created trade predicament. The overall effect is economic uncertainty, especially for small businesses, due to persistent high tariffs.
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This episode of The David Frum Show commemorates the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, contrasting the postwar American legacy of reconciliation with Donald Trump’s recent boastful statement. A discussion with Anne Applebaum follows, focusing on the Trump presidency’s corruption and its authoritarian tendencies to undermine institutions. Finally, listener questions are addressed, covering topics such as fostering political dialogue among high schoolers, the absence of a strong worker-based movement in the US, and the risks of data suppression under the Trump administration. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolution of Frum’s conservative values within the shifting political landscape.
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John Q. Hosedrinker