Making Sense with Sam Harris #432 — The Undoing of America
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Aug 27, 2025 
David French, a Columnist at the New York Times and a legal expert, joins the discussion on the challenges facing American democracy. He highlights Trump's aggressive tactics against political opponents and the troubling misuse of presidential powers. The conversation delves into the potential solidification of authoritarianism, the role of Congress, and the urgent need for constitutional amendments. French also examines the dynamics of Trumpism within the Republican Party and the unique political skills that may keep Trump in power beyond two terms.
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Accelerating Presidential Power Grab
- David French argues Trump's second term represents an accelerating grab for power that violates the spirit of the Constitution.
- This shift moves beyond incremental presidential power accretion to active attempts to centralize authority.
Personal Political Evolution
- David French describes his political background as a lifelong Republican and former conservative legal figure who served as an Army JAG in Iraq.
- He says he remains conservative but no longer identifies as Republican because of Trump's influence.
Justice System Distorted By Partisanship
- French identifies distortion of the federal justice system as a key danger, driven by partisan staffing and targeting of political opponents.
- He warns this two-tiered justice resembles autocratic systems where the leader's will defines justice.