02/16/2025: 28 Days, Policing the Internet, Timothée Chalamet
Feb 17, 2025
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Timothée Chalamet, an acclaimed actor famous for roles in "Call Me by Your Name" and "Dune," discusses his transformative journey preparing to embody Bob Dylan in a new film. He candidly shares the challenges he faced, including mastering guitar and harmonica, while reflecting on the parallels between his own life and Dylan's. The conversation also touches on the societal implications of online speech regulations, contrasting American and German approaches to policing digital hate. Chalamet's artistic dedication shines as he reveals the emotional depths behind portraying such an iconic musician.
The podcast highlights the legal and ethical implications of President Trump's dismantling of USAID, raising concerns about executive power and accountability.
Germany's strict enforcement against online hate speech presents a stark contrast to American free speech norms, showcasing differing approaches to managing digital expression.
Deep dives
Presidential Authority and Constitutional Defiance
In the initial month of President Trump's administration, significant actions were taken that raised concerns regarding the constitutional limits of executive power. The president initiated orders that attempted to nullify certain constitutional rights, such as birthright citizenship, and shut down essential agencies mandated by Congress. This rapid shift led to the dismissal of numerous employees from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), causing chaos and fear among workers. Observers noted that this novel approach to governance challenged long-standing norms and checks that preserve a democratic framework.
The Impact of Online Hate Speech Laws
Germany has taken a proactive approach in curbing online hate speech, contrasting sharply with U.S. practices surrounding free speech. State police have conducted coordinated raids on individuals suspected of inciting hate online, highlighting a strict enforcement of speech laws that include hefty fines and potential imprisonment for violators. Authorities emphasize that while free speech is protected, it does not extend to hate speech that incites violence or spreads malicious misinformation, exemplified by the case of a politician who was killed following years of online harassment. The legal framework in Germany thus aims to create a balance, ensuring that free expression does not become a shield for hateful or harmful rhetoric.
The Dismantling of USAID and Executive Overreach
The podcast discusses the controversial dismantling of USAID under President Trump's directives, which came as part of a broader strategy reflecting an unprecedented approach to executive authority. Critics point out that the president's actions to close the agency contradicted constitutional mandates, resulting in the termination of over 8,000 employees with little transparency. This tactic raises significant ethical questions about governance, as it appeared driven by political loyalty rather than competency. The ramifications of this executive decision, which bypassed traditional congressional oversight, suggest a concerning trend toward centralizing power within the executive branch.
Concerns About a Constitutional Crisis
The actions taken during Trump's administration are seen as potential precursors to a constitutional crisis, as the separation of powers becomes increasingly blurred. Scholars and lawmakers express deep concern about the trajectory of governance in the U.S., where executive claims of fraud and authority seem to undermine legislative power. The rise of organizations like DOGE, created to streamline government operations under Trump's control, raises alarms about unaccountable governance and the integrity of data management within federal agencies. As tensions mount, experts warn that failure to adhere to constitutional checks and balances may lead to a breakdown of democratic principles, fundamentally altering the relationship between the branches of government.
Correspondent Scott Pelley reports from Washington, D.C., on whether President Trump’s dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) without Congress’ approval is legal.
In the United States, most of what anyone says, sends or streams online, even if it’s hate-filled or toxic, is protected by the First Amendment as free speech. But as correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi reports, Germany is trying to bring order to the unruly World Wide Web by policing it in a way most Americans could never imagine.
When Timothée Chalamet was offered the chance to play Bob Dylan in a film based on the legendary musician, a lot of people told him not to take it. Chalamet didn’t know much about playing the guitar or harmonica, or about Dylan himself. 60 MINUTES spends a couple of days with the 29-year-old actor to find out how he prepared for over five years to play one of the most enigmatic and revered musicians of our time for his film “A Complete Unknown,” which earned him his second Oscar nomination for best actor. Correspondent Anderson Cooper visits Chalamet’s childhood home and Dylan’s old haunts in New York City and discovers some of the parallels between the two artists.