The David Frum Show Trump Has Redefined Presidential Scandal
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Jan 14, 2026 
Timothy Naftali, historian and former director of the Nixon Library, joins to discuss presidential libraries and Trump’s Miami project. They explore Trump’s unique brand of corruption, contrasting it with Nixon's constraints and shame. The conversation dives into the implications of Trump's interventionist policies in Venezuela and how they prioritize personal gain over U.S. interests. Naftali warns about the potential for the library to serve as a laundering mechanism, raising concerns about its funding and purpose.
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MAGA's Escalation Threatens Institutions
- David Frum argues MAGA and the Trump presidency are spiraling into escalating, law‑breaking measures that threaten institutions.
- He warns the movement substitutes rule of law with armed enforcement and political pressure on independent agencies.
Politicizing Institutions Undermines Trust
- David Frum highlights the politicization of DOJ actions against Jerome Powell as a tool to pressure the Federal Reserve.
- He questions whether future Fed decisions can be trusted if prosecutions serve political aims.
Act To Defend Rule Of Law
- Frum urges citizens to act responsibly to defend the rule of law and democratic institutions in 2026.
- He frames the year as a decisive moment where Americans must choose between MAGA and traditional American values.
