Trump’s Angry New Threats on Truth Social Take Dark and Revealing Turn
Nov 12, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Susan Glasser, a seasoned staff writer at The New Yorker known for her political insights, delves into Donald Trump's alarming rhetoric and intentions. She highlights Trump's threats of government retaliation against foes and shares revelations about his advisors encouraging such actions. Glasser paints a picture of a potentially unhinged second term, discussing the chilling implications for political dynamics, governmental power misuse, and the rise of loyalty within the Republican Party.
Trump's strategy reveals a shift towards using government power for personal revenge against perceived enemies, indicating potential abuses of authority.
The Republican Party's alignment with Trump's ideology signals diminished internal resistance, raising concerns about accountability and the erosion of democratic norms.
Deep dives
Trump's Platform of Revenge and Retaliation
Donald Trump's political strategy openly centers on themes of revenge and retribution against perceived enemies. His advisors suggest a willingness to use federal power to investigate and punish those who have criticized or opposed him. This approach underscores a potential willingness to leverage governmental authority for personal vendettas, reflecting a shift from a conventional administration to one that operates under a more personal freedom regarding loyalty to Trump as an individual. This shift raises concerns about the implications for rule of law and institutional independence, as it may lead to an atmosphere where dissent is systematically targeted.
The Erosion of Constraints in Government
In Trump's second term, there is a notable absence of the institutional checks that previously existed, leading to fears of an emboldened executive branch. Trump's strategy emphasizes the importance of personnel, where appointees are selected for loyalty to him rather than adherence to legal or constitutional principles. This could lead to significant abuses of power, as new appointments in key agencies are likely to prioritize Trump's directives, potentially undermining their original mandates. The belief that Trump has absorbed lessons from his first term regarding the bureaucratic mechanisms needed to execute his agenda further exacerbates these concerns.
Republican Party's Transformation and Accountability
The Republican Party has evolved into a faction that is increasingly aligned with Trump’s ideology, diminishing any internal resistance that might challenge his actions in office. The absence of traditional Republican leaders who would previously act as moderating influences allows for a more extreme consolidation of authority within the party. This alignment raises pressing questions about accountability, especially as there may be little to no objection from Republican lawmakers regarding potential abuses of power from Trump's administration. As investigations or prosecutions of political opponents become more plausible under Trump's governance, the Republican establishment's silence could signify complicity in the erosion of democratic norms.
During the campaign, Donald Trump openly advertised that as president, he’ll use the state to retaliate against his enemies in every way he can. Now The New York Times reports that some of his advisers are urging him to absolutely make good on that threat. And right on cue, Trump erupted on social media, calling for investigations into people supposedly spreading false rumors about his intention to sell shares of his Truth Social—a revealing indicator of the types of abuses of power that we can expect from a second Trump term. We talked to New Yorker staff writer Susan Glasser, author of a great new piece on what’s coming. She explains in alarming detail how Trump will be far more liberated—less constrained by the law, by the Republican Party, and by guardrails of any kind—than ever before.