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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During a House hearing on transgender athletes, Democrats accused Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of insider trading. The accusations centered on stock purchases Greene made in early April, coinciding with a market dip caused by President Trump’s tariff announcement. Greene claims her financial advisor made the trades, buying “the dip,” but Democrats allege she profited from non-public information. The ensuing debate temporarily stalled the hearing, with Republicans objecting to what they considered an unfounded criminal allegation.
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Senate Democrats withdrew support for the bipartisan GENIUS Act due to concerns it inadequately addressed conflicts of interest stemming from the Trump family’s substantial cryptocurrency holdings. A new bill, the End Crypto Corruption Act, aims to prohibit federal officials and their families from holding digital assets, prompted by reports of potential $2 billion in profits from a Trump family stablecoin deal and a lucrative meme coin promotion. While acknowledging current legal limitations, some Republicans also expressed reservations about the meme coin contest, and Senator Lummis indicated a willingness to collaborate on broader digital asset regulation. The Democrats’ action reflects a shift towards stricter regulation to curb potential corruption related to cryptocurrency holdings by government officials.
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House Democrats are investigating Elon Musk’s potential conflicts of interest as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Letters sent to key Trump administration officials requested information regarding Musk’s ties to foreign powers, government contracts awarded to his companies, and past drug use. The Democrats aim to uncover potential vulnerabilities to coercion and corruption stemming from these connections. The inquiry follows previous reports detailing Musk’s financial support for the Trump campaign and his access to sensitive government information. A response from the recipients of the letters is pending.
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George Ryan, former Illinois governor, passed away at age 91. His career, marked by a rise from pharmacist to governor, was ultimately overshadowed by a corruption scandal resulting in a federal prison sentence. However, Ryan is also remembered for his controversial decision to halt executions in Illinois and empty death row, actions that garnered both praise and criticism. Despite his conviction and subsequent apology, his legacy remains complex and multifaceted.
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Carlos Cartagena López, a prominent El Salvador gang leader, gave an interview detailing his gang’s secret pact with President Nayib Bukele, revealing how they allegedly helped Bukele rise to power in exchange for favors. This pact, involving warnings of police operations and community projects, allegedly included gang intimidation of political opponents to secure Bukele’s electoral victories. López’s release from prison, despite accusations of homicide and extortion, further underscores the clandestine nature of this relationship. The revelation comes amidst a brutal government crackdown resulting in tens of thousands of arrests under inhumane conditions and hundreds of deaths, highlighting the ongoing consequences of this political alliance. The interview adds crucial details to existing evidence of Bukele’s dealings with gangs, underscoring the urgent need for further investigation into this complex situation.
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Contrary to headlines, President Trump did not actually fire any Federal Trade Commission commissioners; he merely stated his desire to do so, a power he legally lacks. News coverage often misrepresents Trump’s actions, as exemplified by headlines employing mixed metaphors or accepting his economic claims at face value. Such reporting fails to address the underlying issue: Trump’s policies stem from his corruption and intellectual decline, not from any coherent plan. His erratic economic decisions, therefore, are best understood through the lens of his personal failings.
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President Trump’s administration is characterized by widespread disregard for the rule of law, demonstrated through the appointment of unqualified loyalists, the elimination of government accountability, and the weaponization of his power against political opponents. His actions include bypassing the cabinet to fire federal employees, pardoning January 6th rioters, and targeting those who oppose him, including judges and institutions. Furthermore, Trump has shown blatant disregard for international relations, engaging in aggressive and harmful actions toward allies and trading partners. His pursuit of a third term, despite constitutional limitations, underscores his belief in being above the law and his insatiable desire for power.
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Senator Warren will mark President Trump’s 100th day in office by detailing 100 instances of alleged self-enrichment and corrupt practices during a Senate floor speech. These actions, according to Warren, directly contradict Trump’s campaign promises to lower costs. The senator plans to present a list documenting how the president, his administration, and associates have allegedly exploited their positions for personal gain. A White House response to these accusations is pending.
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President Trump’s second term has been characterized by a “fuck you, pay me” approach, leveraging intimidation to extract payments from corporations, universities, and even Congress. This strategy, detailed in a recent *Time* magazine cover story, has yielded millions for Trump’s presidential library fund and silenced many critics through fear of retaliation. While some institutions, like Harvard, have resisted, widespread capitulation has allowed Trump to consolidate power despite historically low approval ratings. This behavior mirrors that of notorious mob bosses, raising concerns about a trajectory towards autocracy.
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John Q. Hosedrinker