
Democracy Now! Audio
Democracy Now! 2025-04-09 Wednesday
Apr 9, 2025
David Cole, a constitutional law expert and former ACLU National Legal Director, and William Hartung, a defense policy researcher, dive into pressing issues surrounding U.S. military spending and civil liberties. They discuss alarming cuts to emergency food programs and the implications for global hunger. The duo highlights the dangers of increased military budgets and the influence of private contractors. They also tackle recent political tensions in Panama and Ukraine, while emphasizing the critical role of the First Amendment in protecting dissent and free speech.
59:00
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Quick takeaways
- The Trump administration's escalating actions could provoke a constitutional crisis, threatening judicial independence and public trust through unlawful detentions and executive overreach.
- Critics denounce the proposed $1 trillion Pentagon budget amid significant cuts to essential public services, underscoring a dangerous prioritization of military spending over citizen welfare.
Deep dives
Concerns Over Erosion of the Rule of Law
The Trump administration's escalating actions have raised alarm among law scholars and former Justice Department officials, who warn of a potential constitutional crisis. Specific concerns include the unlawful detention of international students, threats against judges, and the misuse of executive orders targeting law firms and universities. This pattern of behavior threatens not only the rule of law but also public trust in judicial independence and accountability. Instances of U.S. citizens being mistakenly deported further highlight the real-world consequences of these developments for individuals and communities.
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