Question Everything with Brian Reed
He quit journalism to fight authoritarianism. How’s that going?
Apr 3, 2025
Barton Gellman, a legendary investigative reporter and three-time Pulitzer Prize winner, now fights against authoritarianism at the Brennan Center for Justice. He shares insights from war games with military leaders about handling a second Trump term. The discussion delves into the legal tensions surrounding presidential defiance of court orders, the serious consequences of federal budget cuts, and the critical role of public activism in safeguarding democracy. Gellman also critiques media coverage and the implications of potential unconstitutional ambitions.
25:39
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Quick takeaways
- Barton Gellman emphasizes the critical role of societal resistance in limiting presidential overreach and protecting democratic norms.
- The Trump administration's deportation actions mirror simulated scenarios, highlighting the need for public engagement to uphold constitutional integrity.
Deep dives
Barton Gellman's Mission Against Authoritarianism
Barton Gellman has transitioned from journalism to a strategic role aimed at countering authoritarian actions by Donald Trump. He joined the Brennan Center for Justice with a focus on preparing legal and tactical measures to restrain Trump's potential abuse of power during his presidency. Gellman's foresight predicted a range of scenarios where Trump might defy constitutional mandates, and he organized simulations to explore these possibilities. His work emphasizes the importance of protecting democratic norms and identifying behaviors that threaten constitutional integrity, such as circumventing laws related to due process and governmental checks.
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