Trump’s Rage at Jack Smith Weirdly Escalates as MAGA Threats Darken
Jan 15, 2025
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Julian Zelizer, a Princeton historian and author, delves into Trump’s explosive reaction to Jack Smith’s report on the insurrection. He discusses the unsettling confirmation of MAGA hero Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary and highlights the illusion of Trump’s invincibility, comparing it to George W. Bush’s swift decline post-2004. Zelizer argues that the seemingly strong grip of Trump and MAGA could be tenuous if Democrats effectively rally against them, emphasizing the importance of fighting for political accountability.
Trump's reaction to Jack Smith's report highlights concerns over his evasion of accountability amid rising MAGA support and its implications for democracy.
Historian Julian Zelizer reminds us that, despite Trump's current power, historical patterns suggest that political fortunes can change rapidly and unexpectedly.
Deep dives
Identity Protection as a New Year's Goal
Protecting one’s identity is highlighted as a crucial component of both health and wealth goals for the new year. LifeLock offers a monitoring service that tracks millions of data points per second to prevent identity theft. In the event of a breach, LifeLock promises to restore the identity and provides a money-back guarantee. Emphasizing the importance of integrating identity protection into overall wellness routines sets a positive tone for the New Year's resolutions.
The Political Landscape Post-Trump's Insurrection Report
The release of Jack Smith's insurrection report has reignited discussions about Trump's immunity from accountability for serious charges. Despite Trump's bombastic denials and claims of innocence, the report underscored how he strategically avoided facing trial before the election, which raises concerns about the integrity of democracy. Historian Julian Zelizer draws parallels to previous political circumstances, indicating that while Trump appears untouchable now, historical shifts in sentiment have been observed in past administrations. This situation invites skepticism about the Republican Party's alignment with Trump, potentially foreshadowing future upheaval.
Threats to Democracy and the GOP's Loyalty to Trump
The loyalty of the GOP to Trump is examined as the party appears willing to overlook an insurrection attempt to maintain political power. Michael Podhorzer's analysis reveals how systemic failures, such as the undermining of the 14th Amendment's insurrection clause, enabled Trump to continue his political ambitions unchallenged. The episode raises alarming questions about how easily an insurrection is normalized within political discourse. The discussion also touches on the implications for future governance, highlighting the dangers of a party that prioritizes loyalty over constitutional accountability.
After Jack Smith released his final report on Donald Trump’s insurrection, Trump erupted, gloating over the failure to prosecute him. Meanwhile, Trump’s pick for Defense Secretary, MAGA hero Pete Hegseth, had some alarming moments at his confirmation hearing, and the MAGA cheerleading for him hints at ugly times ahead. Take this all together and Trump and MAGA look invincible right now. So we talked to historian Julian Zelizer, author of a good piece in The New Republic that reminds us that George W. Bush looked formidable in 2004, only to see the tide turn dramatically two years later. Zelizer discusses his new book, In Defense of Partisanship, and explains why Trump-MAGA’s grip on power may prove fragile, especially if Democrats fight them effectively.