The Gray Area with Sean Illing Is Trump winning?
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Jun 16, 2025 
Zack Beauchamp, a senior correspondent at Vox and writer of the On the Right newsletter, dives deep into the implications of Donald Trump's second term. They explore how Trump consolidates power and the resulting challenges to American democracy. Discussions include the appeal of Trumpism's narrative, legal battles surrounding his policies, and the troubling allure of authoritarian models. Beauchamp emphasizes the need for a robust counter-narrative from the left to engage younger voters and asserts that the future of democracy remains uncertain and malleable.
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Trump's Power Centralization Strategy
- Trump aggressively centralizes power through immigration, tariffs, and government reshaping.
- This unchecked power grab challenges traditional legal and institutional norms.
Government Functionality Under Threat
- The Trump administration is degrading government's capability to effectively deliver services.
- Politicizing civil service weakens competence and institutional knowledge crucial for governance.
Scientific Progress Faces Lasting Damage
- Some damages, like cuts to scientific research, may be irreversible despite future reforms.
- Losses in funding and talent cause permanent setbacks to progress and innovation.
