Consider This from NPR What's Trump doing in DC?
15 snips
Aug 20, 2025 The discussion kicks off with the struggles of a local D.C. bakery facing dwindling customers amid heightened federal law enforcement. It delves into President Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard and the mixed reactions from residents questioning the need for his federal control. Insights into perceptions of safety and their impact on public sentiment raise eyebrows, while parallels between Washington's political climate and trends in autocracy are drawn. The normalization of controversial political tactics is also highlighted, encouraging critical reflection on current societal changes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Local Bakery Owner Sees Business Drop
- Nick Pimentel, co-owner of Ellie, reports customers and staff feel unnerved by a heavy federal law enforcement presence in Mount Pleasant.
- He says business is down and Restaurant Week bookings fell to 50–60% of prior years, threatening payroll for 47 employees.
Federal Actions Clash With Crime Data
- The administration deployed National Guard, immigration checkpoints, and assumed control of D.C. police claiming to fight crime.
- Metropolitan Police data shows violent crime is at a 30-year low, undercutting the stated rationale.
Control Of Security Forces Builds Power
- Masha Gessen argues that showing control over armed forces and police builds a perception crucial to autocratic rule.
- She says asserting command of those in uniform is a core step in establishing authoritarian power.
