The Opinions 'Destabilize, Destabilize, Destabilize': What Trump Is Really Up To
Jan 23, 2025
David Wallace-Wells, a New York Times writer known for his insightful commentary on climate issues, joins the discussion on Trump’s controversial policies. He explores the spectacle versus substance in Trump's climate actions, including the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and impacts on green energy. Wallace-Wells also touches on the future of electric vehicles amid competitive pressures and critiques the rise of political oligarchy, assessing its implications for governance and public response to inequality.
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Trump's First 100 Days
- Donald Trump's early actions indicate a focus on rewriting history, redefining identity, and remaking executive powers.
- This includes freeing insurrectionists, controlling tech leaders, and using national security to justify crackdowns.
Trump's Climate Actions
- Trump's climate and environment orders haven't received enough attention.
- These orders include pulling out of the Paris Agreement and opening federal land for drilling.
Showmanship vs. Substance
- Many of Trump's executive orders are performative, lacking concrete policy details.
- His actions on climate send a strong cultural signal, potentially impacting green momentum.