Dan Diamond, a seasoned White House reporter for The Washington Post specializing in health policy, joins the discussion on the chaotic first 100 days of the Trump administration. He shares insights on how health policies have shifted, revealing the consequences of funding cuts that impact public health and vaccination rates. The conversation also dives into the implications of a proposed religious charter school in Oklahoma, raising questions about taxpayer funding and the separation of church and state.
The chaotic first 100 days of Trump's presidency highlight unprecedented actions leading to governmental retribution and declining public approval.
Cuts to federal health programs under Trump's administration raise alarms about public health safety and the spread of misinformation.
The legal battle over St. Isidore's Catholic Virtual School poses significant questions about the separation of church and state in education funding.
Deep dives
First 100 Days of Trump's Presidency
The discussion highlights the chaotic and tumultuous nature of the first 100 days of Trump's presidency, which has been marked by unprecedented actions and decisions. Participants emphasize the sense of uncertainty, citing instances of governmental retribution, including targeting law firms and universities that opposed Trump. Notably, tariffs introduced have been detrimental to the economy, affecting jobs and businesses across various sectors, leading to a decline in public approval. With ongoing chaos as a key feature of Trump's governance, there is a concern about the long-term implications of such unprecedented political conduct.
Health Policy Under Trump
The podcast features a conversation about how Trump's presidency and the influence of figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are reshaping health policy and scientific research. The cuts to federal health programs and agencies, particularly the Food and Drug Administration, raise alarms about food safety and the management of public health crises. There is a growing unease that these reductions will have significant negative consequences on public health while fostering misinformation around key health issues. The discussion also points out how the administration is inadvertently compromising the health and well-being of everyday Americans through these drastic policy shifts.
Legal Debate on Religious Charter Schools
The conversation shifts to the legal battle surrounding St. Isidore's Catholic Virtual School, aiming to secure charter status while promoting religious teaching. The case raises questions about the separation of church and state in the context of public funding for religious institutions. The central argument revolves around the distinction between public and private education, with opinions divided on whether taxpayer dollars should be used for parochial schools. This situation reflects broader tensions in American society regarding religious freedom and public education, where future court rulings could signal significant changes in policy and legal norms.
The Effects of Tariffs on Small Businesses
Amidst the discussion, small businesses express deep concern regarding the impact of Trump's tariff policies on their operations and survival. Business owners, reliant on imports from countries like China, face the tough decision of whether they can continue to sustain their ventures amidst rising costs and decreasing sales. The emotional toll on entrepreneurs is evident, as some now contemplate secondary jobs to make financial ends meet, while their businesses face potential collapse. This highlights how macroeconomic policies directly undermine the livelihood of thousands of small business owners across the nation.
Public Sentiment and Trump's Stability
Polling data reveals a mixed public sentiment towards Trump's policies, especially regarding immigration and the economy. Many Americans feel that Trump's approach to immigration is too extreme, undermining his support base, while concerns about rising costs indicate discontent with his economic management. Despite these challenges, Trump appears largely unconcerned with polling data, as his core supporters remain loyal regardless of public opinion. This steadfast loyalty among his base raises questions about the broader political landscape and the potential for opposition parties to effectively challenge Trump's agenda moving forward.
This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the Trump administration’s first 100 days and recent polls, the state of American health policy and underlying DOGE cuts with reporter Dan Diamond, and a potential radical shift in American life if the Supreme Court allows a religious charter school in Oklahoma.
For this week’s Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily and David interview John about his professional and personal experience of covering the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome for CBS Evening News.
Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)
Research by Emily Ditto
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