S2 Ep1024: Anne Applebaum: Everything Is a Game to Trump
Apr 18, 2025
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Anne Applebaum, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of several impactful books including 'Gulag, A History,' joins the discussion to delve into the unique intersection of politics and corruption under the Trump administration. She examines how Trump's approach mirrors kleptocratic models, referencing disconcerting parallels with authoritarian regimes. The conversation also addresses troubling implications for U.S. democracy, humanitarian crises due to cut aid, and how extreme measures in governance threaten individual rights—highlighting a dire need for public awareness and accountability.
Senator Van Hollen's meeting with Kilmar Abrego Garcia highlights Congress's potential role in advocating for those deprived of due process.
The conversation points out the dangers of government manipulation of events for political gain, often obscuring deeper injustices and abuses.
Discussions of judicial rulings emphasize the ongoing importance of safeguarding due process as a fundamental principle in America's identity.
Deep dives
Recent Developments in El Salvador's Judicial Case
A significant recent event includes a meeting between U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a prisoner in El Salvador whose treatments have raised concerns. The event was staged to imply that Garcia was healthy and treated well, aiming to counteract growing worries about his condition. While the senator's efforts showcase Congress's ability to intervene and advocate for individuals facing unjust circumstances, there remain pressing questions about the status of other prisoners similarly deprived of due process. The broader implications of such advocacy within a flawed judicial system illustrate a troubling expansion of lawlessness and exceptions to due process that challenge the essence of constitutional rights.
Concerns Over Propaganda Tactics in Governance
The discussion highlights the potential propaganda value behind the carefully managed meeting with Garcia, raising suspicions about the regime's motivations for facilitating the encounter. It suggests that such gestures could be part of a broader strategy to project an image of fairness and transparency, even as they might obscure deeper issues of abuse and injustice. This manipulation of events for political capital is a concerning tactic employed by administrations, fundamentally altering how citizens perceive their government's actions. Understanding these dynamics becomes crucial, as they underscore the need for vigilance against the exploitation of such situations for propaganda.
Historical Parallels to Authoritarian Practices
Reflections draw parallels between current practices in the U.S. and the historical emergence of the Soviet Gulag, emphasizing a slow descent into oppressive governance. The initial justifications for imprisoning those deemed troublesome may establish a dangerous precedent, normalizing the state's ability to detain individuals beyond its legal constraints. As the conversation reveals, this gradual encroachment on civil liberties can eventually facilitate mass incarcerations under the guise of safety and order. The repeated scenario of unjust detentions highlights a pathway toward systemic abuse reminiscent of past authoritarian regimes, warranting critical attention in contemporary governance.
Judicial Responsibility and Public Awareness
Recent judicial rulings, particularly from conservative judges, have served to remind lawmakers of the fundamental principles underpinning the rule of law. Their criticisms of government actions underscore that maintaining due process is fundamental not just to the legal system, but to the nation’s identity. The ability of courts to articulate these issues in accessible language is essential for fostering public understanding and engagement with legal principles. Revisiting historical documents like the Magna Carta reinforces the age-old commitment to justice and highlights the ongoing importance of safeguarding these values in current political landscapes.
Reflections on Corruption in Current Governance
The conversation culminates in a critique of the intertwining of political power and financial corruption, particularly within the context of the current administration. It emphasizes that the profit-driven motivations of powerful entities hinder authentic governance and undermine public trust. Examples of blatant self-enrichment by officials illustrate a troubling erosion of accountability that parallels authoritarian tendencies globally. This dynamic not only impacts the integrity of political systems but also poses significant risks to societal welfare, reflecting a shift away from serving the public toward catering to personal interests.
Sen. Van Hollen showed that Congress actually does have agency, and a federal judge finally scorched the administration in crystal-clear language about how it's violating the essence of our constitutional republic. But the White House is just treating the whole Abrego Garcia affair like it's a joke. Meanwhile, Trump is elevating his own businesses over the nation's, and is quickly adopting the kleptocratic models of Russia and China—while overlooking the fact that the Chinese have maintained a functional and competent government. Plus, children all over the world are going to die because Elon wants our money to go to his companies, and Marco signaled that the big talker who promised to end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours is ready to give up and walk away.
Anne Applebaum joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
