Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segal try to process the third week of the Trump administration, with its blitzkrieg of illegal actions and absurd declarations, led by the unelected Elon Musk. They get help from Prof. David Ost, political scientist and historian of political history in Eastern Europe. Aside from being a world-renowned expert on Solidarity in Poland, his forthcoming book is about the rise of the far-right and the return of fascism in the west.

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In a whirlwind of disarray and psychological scrutiny, our hosts unearth the frenetic pace at which Trump and his allies are working to dismantle institutions, labeling it a "blitzkrieg against democracy."

Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel also analyze Elon Musk’s hypomanic energy, sleeplessness, and impulsiveness—that resonate with another hypomanic: Trump. They’ll compare historical figures with similar traits and underscore how this often-dangerous behavior is glamorized in American culture to represent creativity and leadership.

The hosts unravel the complexities behind Musk's unprecedented influence, likening him to a modern-day Darth Vader alongside Trump as the emperor. This paints a vivid picture of a dangerous duo wielding disruptive power across the federal landscape.

Our guest, David Ost, an expert in Eastern European politics, joins the show to explore how previous authoritarian regimes were toppled by unexpected resistance movements. Drawing lessons from the Polish Solidarity movement, Ost emphasizes the need for collective mobilization.

And as always, through their unique lens, Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel contextualize Trump’s increasingly volatile speeches and decisions as symptoms of cognitive decline—which has been exacerbated by his nearly unrestrained power.

By dissecting the unyielding pace of these authoritarian advances, the psychologists relay a critical message: awareness and resilience are key. So be sure to join us next week as we continue to inform and engage, right here on

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Closing Bell: How Far Can the Rally Run? 10/24/25

Closing Bell

What supports the uptrend and what risks lie ahead?

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