The Socialist Program with Brian Becker ICE Terror Is a Sign of Trump's Desperation. A General Strike Can Turn the Tables w/ Richard Wolff
Jan 13, 2026
Richard Wolff, an economist and co-founder of Democracy at Work, dives into the current political turmoil triggered by Trump’s aggressive ICE policies. He analyzes the desperation reflected in Trump's tactics and outlines the dangerous trend of scapegoating immigrants. Wolff argues for a strategic response through a general strike, emphasizing its potential to mobilize resistance and challenge the status quo. The discussion draws compelling historical parallels, making a case for unionized action amidst rising tensions.
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Desperation Explains Erratic Policy
- Richard Wolff interprets Trump's actions as signs of a desperate presidency trying to hold together a shrinking coalition.
- Desperation explains erratic moves like interest-rate caps and confrontations with foreign leaders rather than coherent strategy.
Transactional Politics Between Donors And Voters
- Wolff says Trump offers measures like a credit-card rate cap to retain mass support while signaling business they must tolerate some populist moves.
- This reveals a transactional strategy: keep donors with tax cuts while placating voters with giveaways.
A New Federal Policing Power
- Wolff highlights the creation of a federal police force under executive control as extraordinary and dangerous.
- He emphasizes it's not the military but a unique federal policing power projecting force into cities.
