

‘Not even remotely normal’: New concern over Trump’s rambling speeches, posts
21 snips May 28, 2025
In this discussion, Justin Wolfers, a Professor at the University of Michigan, and Adam Serwer, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dissect the chaotic rhetoric of a former president. They explore the alarming normalization of erratic political discourse and its impact on public perception. The duo also delves into the troubling economic repercussions of fluctuating policies, revealing how they affect American businesses. Additionally, they address recent concerns about the health and mental acuity of the oldest sitting president, offering a thought-provoking take on national leadership.
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Trump’s War on Knowledge
- The Trump administration views universities like Harvard as liberal factories that must be destroyed to prevent political opposition.
- Their goal is to control ideology and undermine knowledge, risking a new dark age in America.
Knowledge Loss Fuels Authoritarianism
- Destroying rational analysis and knowledge leads to authoritarian control by replacing truth with government authority.
- This negates democratic norms and equality enshrined in America’s founding documents.
Elite Control Under Populism Rhetoric
- American higher education is not just elite but a major economic driver and a unique export industry.
- Trump’s rhetoric of the 1890s model actually aims to cement power for a small elite, not support populism.