The Complexities of Executive Governance and Public Perception

Donald Trump and Elon Musk are now on the receiving end of multiple court orders requiring them to rein in their constitutional crime spree: resume impounded payments, destroy improperly downloaded government data, restore regular government communications. Their response, as of this recording, has been to see how contemptuous they can be of the orders, and musing openly about outright defiance.

In this episode, Matt and Brian discuss:

* What, specifically, precipitated this legitimation crisis?

* If the Trump administration’s announces it will disregard district court orders, is it time to take to the streets?

* Is Kendrick Lamar likelier to shatter the MAGA coalition than professional Democrats?

Then, behind the paywall, how well, if at all, are Democrats responding to the prospect of a completely lawless presidency? Should they be more plainspoken about how they will use their power to restore the rule of law? If Trump will ignore district court orders enjoining his efforts to impound money, will he also ignore them if he tries to spend money absent a congressional appropriation?

All that, plus the full Politix archive are available to paid subscribers—just upgrade your subscription and pipe full episodes directly to your favorite podcast app via your own private feed.

Further reading:

* Matt on why there are many, many better forms of resistance than doomscrolling.

* Brian argues a crisis like this is the right time for Democrats to sideline over-cautious, elections-oriented consultants, and listen to people who know how to put down coup attempts.

* Cass Sunstein on the high price of ignoring the social cost of carbon. (Trust us, it’s relevant.)