Making Sense with Sam Harris #426 — How Bad Is It?
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Jul 23, 2025 
David Frum, a Canadian-American political commentator and journalist at The Atlantic, joins the discussion on the troubling state of American politics. They explore Trump's corruption and immigration policies, pointing out how personal scandals shape public perception. The conversation shifts to U.S. foreign policy, focusing on the dynamic situations in Ukraine and Israel. Frum offers insights into the implications of Trump's protectionist trade policies and addresses how recent leadership changes have affected international trust and credibility.
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Escalated Trump Corruption Scale
- Trump's corruption in the second term has escalated massively compared to the first term.
- His assets and deals have expanded internationally, increasing the scale immensely.
Trade Damage and Debt Risk
- Trump’s trade disruptions have hurt the US economy and alliances more severely than before.
- The resulting debt incurred is a significant risk to America's future standing.
Deep Tribal Loyalties Persist
- Tribal loyalty in US politics explains persistent support for Trump despite corruption.
- Deep emotional and identity reasons cause voters to ignore facts and scandals.