The New Yorker Radio Hour

Donald Trump’s War on Culture Is Not a Sideshow

86 snips
Aug 29, 2025
Adam Gopnik, a staff writer at The New Yorker known for his cultural insights, explores the surprising intersections of Donald Trump's influence on American cultural institutions. He discusses how Trump's actions—like firing key leaders in the arts—reflect a deeper political agenda rather than mere distractions. Gopnik warns against authoritarian control over artistic expression, drawing chilling parallels to historical regimes. The conversation emphasizes the critical need for pluralism and inclusive dialogue to safeguard democracy in a polarized society.
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INSIGHT

Arts Are Central To Trump's Culture War

  • Adam Gopnik argues Trump treats the arts as a central front in his culture wars, not a sideshow.
  • Targeting cultural institutions is part of a broader push to reshape public culture and loyalty.
INSIGHT

Pluralism Is Democracy's Cultural Foundation

  • Gopnik stresses pluralism as the foundation of democratic culture and artistic life.
  • He says hybridization across forms (Elvis to Tolstoy) shows plural culture's strength.
INSIGHT

State Control Versus Cultural Debate

  • Gopnik contrasts normal cultural debate with state-imposed artistic policy and ideology.
  • He warns that political control of arts mirrors authoritarian models like Stalinist cultural diktats.
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