Deadline: White House “What Orwell wrote”
Jan 9, 2026
Ian Bassin, Executive Director of Protect Democracy, discusses the erosion of truth in politics and its impact on public trust. Michael Feinberg, former FBI agent, shares insights on the demoralization within law enforcement agencies. Journalist Michele Norris provides a local perspective from Minneapolis, highlighting community resilience amidst crisis. They explore Trump’s Orwellian messaging, federal oversight of Venezuela, and the need for checks and balances in government, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and truth in democracy.
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Preemptive Narratives Undermine Truth
- Nicolle Wallace ties Trump’s line "don't believe what you see with your own eyes" to modern disinformation tactics that preempt investigations.
- She warns the administration pre-declared the Minneapolis shooting a case of domestic terrorism before facts were gathered.
Truth As An Optional Norm
- Ian Bassin argues the Trump administration treats truth as optional and abandons rigorous fact-checking norms.
- He says that erosion of truth corrodes public trust and looks like a cover-up when federal agents lock out local investigators.
Authoritarians Shape Reality To Stay Powerful
- Michael Feinberg invokes Orwell: authoritarians shape reality and demand people reject obvious facts.
- He urges persistent honest reporting to drown out falsehoods until truth prevails.
