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Economist Podcasts

Executive orders of magnitude: Trump’s day one

Jan 21, 2025
Join John Prideaux, United States editor for The Economist, and Edward Carr, Deputy editor, as they unpack the atmosphere of Trump's second inauguration compared to his first. They explore the bold themes in his inaugural address, touching on American exceptionalism and rejecting international norms through his first executive orders. The conversation then takes a whimsical turn, delving into the unexpected craze of plush toys among Millennials and Gen Z, revealing how nostalgia and comfort shape this surprising trend.
25:00

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Trump's inaugural address and first executive orders highlight a commitment to assertive American dominance and traditional societal norms.
  • The rise of adult plush toy collecting reflects a cultural shift towards nostalgia and emotional comfort amidst changing consumer behaviors.

Deep dives

The Significance of Trump's Inauguration Speech

Donald Trump's inauguration speech revealed a sense of continuity from his first term, with a more established position and clearer policy expectations. Notably, his reference to the Panama Canal signified a strong stance on what he perceives as the need for American dominance and control over strategic assets. The invocation of American manifest destiny reflected a return to historical themes of expansion and growth, indicating a desire to enhance national prosperity. This blend of assertiveness and nostalgia positions Trump as a president keen on reinforcing America's stature both domestically and globally.

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