Americano Lionel Shriver on Trump’s vendetta, Mamdani’s ‘stupid’ ideas & sentimental immigration
Jul 27, 2025
Lionel Shriver, an acclaimed author and Spectator columnist, dives deep into the tumultuous landscape of Donald Trump's second term. She critiques Trump's obsession with lawfare and personal vendettas, questioning their impact on his presidency. Shriver also discusses the rise of socialism in New York, exploring generational differences in attitudes toward it. Additionally, she unpacks the complexities of U.S. immigration policy, emphasizing the struggle between humanitarian values and governance, and advocating for a more compassionate approach.
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Socialism's Generational Divide
- Younger Americans view socialism more favorably, lacking the stigma older generations associate with the Soviet Union.
- The left prioritizes equality, often at the expense of meritocracy and other fairness forms.
Vengeance Hurts Presidency
- Trump's pursuit of personal vendettas through lawfare wastes presidential power and damages governance.
- Such behavior contradicts the principle that political opponents should not face persecution.
Epstein Files and Conspiracy
- Epstein files obsession centers on confirmation of dark suspicions, not actual facts.
- Trump’s base desires to validate particular conspiracy versions rather than seek truth.
