

Charlie Sykes & Thomas Zimmer
Apr 12, 2025
Charlie Sykes, a political analyst and author, joins historian Thomas Zimmer to dive into the troubling shift towards authoritarianism in the U.S. They unpack Trump's retaliations against election challengers, revealing a crisis of the rule of law. The duo discusses the surprising divisions among Supreme Court Justices regarding Trump, signaling a rift in Republican unity. They also reflect on recent protests as a sign of political engagement and resilience, urging collective action to safeguard democratic values amidst rising threats.
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Trump Targets 2020 Election Deniers
- Donald Trump is criminalizing belief in the 2020 election's validity by targeting Chris Krebs for legal action.
- Krebs, a respected cybersecurity expert, was fired for confirming the election's safety and fairness.
Trump's Attacks on Law Firms
- Trump is attacking law firms representing election workers, highlighting the erosion of the rule of law.
- This pursuit of private vendettas is concerning, especially with civil society's seeming indifference.
Capitulation to Trump
- Trump's actions were predictable, but the craven capitulation of others, like law firms, is surprising.
- This lack of resistance emboldens Trump, as collective action is crucial for resisting autocracy.