Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content #426 - How Bad Is It?
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Jul 23, 2025 
David Frum, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of multiple books on politics, joins the discussion on the current state of American governance. He highlights the alarming levels of corruption during Trump’s presidency and its impact on foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Israel. The conversation also addresses the rise of misinformation, changing perceptions of the Israel-Gaza conflict among younger generations, and the troubling resurgence of anti-Semitism. Together, they explore the complex interplay of personal interests and political dynamics shaping democracy today.
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Escalated Trump Corruption Scale
- Trump's second term corruption exceeds the first by a huge factor, involving meme coins and foreign golf resorts.
- His financial schemes now move money on a scale 10 to 100 times larger than before.
Trade and Fiscal Damage Worsens
- Trump's trade disruptions and fiscal policies have caused more economic damage and increased U.S. debt significantly.
- Damage to alliances and global economic standing has worsened under Trump 2.0.
Tribalism Shapes Voter Loyalty
- American politics is deeply tribal, causing many to support leaders regardless of scandals or failures.
- Even in dire times, identity and historical loyalties trump factual realities in voting behavior.