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The Political Scene | The New Yorker
America’s Founders Feared a Caesar. Has One Arrived?
Mar 8, 2025
Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center and a law professor at George Washington University, discusses the founders' fears of tyranny and draws parallels between Donald Trump's leadership style and Julius Caesar's dictatorship. The conversation delves into the cyclical nature of political power, the implications of executive overreach, and how the Supreme Court is responding to these challenges. Rosen emphasizes the importance of understanding history to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past as America grapples with the rise of demagoguery.
34:05
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast discusses the founding fathers' fears of a Caesar-like figure emerging in America, reflecting on historical patterns of institutional decay.
- It highlights the current balance of power struggles between the executive branch and Congress, revealing concerns over unchecked presidential authority.
Deep dives
Legal Retribution and Its Implications
Former President Trump is targeting law firms associated with the Democrats and the investigators involved in his legal challenges, aiming to penalize them by stripping security clearances and restricting their access to federal buildings. This appears to be an attempt to intimidate legal representatives considering similar cases, sending a message of retribution against those who oppose him. Such actions reflect a personal vendetta and raise concerns regarding the broader implications for legal conduct and the independence of legal institutions in the face of political retaliation. The potential chilling effect on other law firms is significant, signaling that involvement in politically charged investigations may result in punitive actions from political figures.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode