Trump at the WEF, defining fascism, Hitler revisionist history, + more | The Moynihan Report

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Jan 23, 2026

A wide-ranging political roundup tackles Trump’s Davos appearance, poll numbers, and who really pays for tariffs. They debate definitions of fascism versus authoritarianism and revisit Weimar-era violence as context. The conversation dives into Brendan Simms’ controversial take on Hitler and a defense of Danish service in the War on Terror. It finishes with nostalgic reflections on Buckley, Mailer, and Town Bloody Hall.

01:04:53

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INSIGHT

Polls Hide Issue-Level Weakness

The NYT/Siena poll shows Americans split: 32% say they're better off, 49% worse off under Trump.
Issue-level approval is weaker; Trump's overall ~40% approval masks very low marks on specific topics like Ukraine and Epstein.

insights

INSIGHT

Who Actually Pays Tariffs

Tariffs largely fall on U.S. consumers, not foreign producers, according to reporting Michael cites.
The Wall Street Journal study found about 97% of tariff costs are paid by American consumers.

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ADVICE

Don't Treat Gold As Debt Insurance

Do not rely on gold/silver as a realistic way to erase national debt; it's not a policy fix.
Michael Moynihan rejects the idea that precious metals appreciating could meaningfully pay down federal debt.

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NYT/Siena Poll: National Mood and Trump's Year One

03:55 • 2min

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Issue Approval: Epstein Files and Ukraine

05:38 • 3min

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Trump at Davos and Political Decorum

08:11 • 46sec

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Tariffs and Who Actually Pays

08:57 • 2min

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Gold, Silver, and National Debt Myths

10:54 • 4min

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Debt Politics and Republican Priorities

14:38 • 4min

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Remembering the War on Terror

19:03 • 2min

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Trump's Denmark Remarks and Military Service

20:35 • 5min

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Davos Fallout and US Reputation in Europe

25:11 • 5min

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Trump in the Middle East and the Abraham Accords

29:50 • 3min

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Brendan Simms' Hitler Theory Introduced

32:44 • 2min

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Nazism, Socialism, and Ideological Complexity

34:50 • 2min

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Judeo-Bolshevism vs. Anti‑Capitalism Debate

37:15 • 2min

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Primary Sources and Research Tips

39:39 • 4min

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Holocaust Laws and Access to Mein Kampf

43:36 • 18sec

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Listener Book Recommendations and Follow-ups

43:54 • 12sec

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Defining Fascism: Features and Limits

44:06 • 9min

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Weimar Violence and Guardrails Against Autocracy

53:11 • 2min

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Historical Comparisons for Trump

55:00 • 32sec

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Intellectual Combat: Buckley, Mailer, and Town Bloody Hall

55:32 • 7min

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Buckley's Evolution and Contemporary Critiques

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Happy days were here again

reflections of a libertarian journalist

William F. Buckley

The book 'Happy Days Were Here Again' is a compilation of articles from the 80s and from the Reagan and Bush years. This collection of writings reflects on the political and cultural landscape of that time. Buckley shares his observations, opinions, and analyses on a variety of subjects, from politics and economics to culture and society. Readers will find his distinctive voice and wit throughout the essays. This book serves as a snapshot of an era and offers insights into the conservative perspective on the events and issues of the time.

#28

• Mentioned in 302 episodes

Mein Kampf

Adolf Hitler

Mein Kampf, written by Adolf Hitler while he was imprisoned following the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, is a two-volume work that combines autobiography and political treatise. The book details Hitler's early life, his experiences during World War I, and his increasing antisemitism and militarism. It outlines his vision for Germany, including the need for Lebensraum (living space) in Eastern Europe, and his racist and anti-Semitic views. The work became the central text of National Socialism and a blueprint for Hitler's policies, including aggressive foreign policy and the persecution of Jews and other minority groups.

#7462

• Mentioned in 6 episodes

Hitler

A Biography

Ian Kershaw

Ian Kershaw's 'Hitler: A Biography' is an abridged version of his two-volume series, 'Hitler: 1889-1936 Hubris' and 'Hitler: 1936-1945 Nemesis'. The book provides a detailed and nuanced portrait of Adolf Hitler, from his origins as a failed artist in Vienna to his final days in the Berlin bunker. Kershaw draws on a wide range of sources, including previously untapped materials like Goebbels's diaries, to explore Hitler's rise to power and the societal conditions that facilitated it. The biography emphasizes Kershaw's 'Working towards the Führer' theory, which suggests that Hitler's subordinates often took initiative to fulfill his broadly outlined wishes, leading to radicalization and atrocities. The book also critically evaluates the complex character of Hitler and the broader historical context of Nazi Germany.

#1730

• Mentioned in 23 episodes

The Looming Tower

Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11

Lawrence Wright

The Looming Tower is a comprehensive and deeply researched book that spans five decades, tracing the transformation of Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri from idealistic soldiers in Afghanistan to leaders of the most successful terrorist group in history. The book also follows key figures such as FBI counterterrorism chief John O’Neill and other Americans involved in counter-terrorism efforts. It examines the background and conditions that produced the men who planned and staged the 9/11 attacks, highlighting issues such as poor communication within U.S. intelligence and law enforcement communities.

#85397

Hitler's Beneficiaries

Götz Aly

#5802

• Mentioned in 8 episodes

Going Clear

Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief

Lawrence Wright

In 'Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief,' Lawrence Wright delves into the inner workings of the Church of Scientology. The book provides a comprehensive history of the church, from its founding by L. Ron Hubbard to its current status as a global organization. Wright examines the church's practices, its treatment of members, and its significant influence on Hollywood through high-profile adherents like Tom Cruise and John Travolta. The book is based on extensive research and interviews with former Scientologists, offering a critical look at the church's beliefs and operations.

In this episode of The Moynihan Report, Moynihan tackles the latest New York Times/Siena poll regarding Donald Trump’s approval ratings and the American economy. Moynihan breaks down the disparity between Trump’s overall numbers and his low approval on specific issues like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Epstein files. The conversation then pivots to a critical look at the economic impact of tariffs, citing recent data from the Wall Street Journal on who actually foots the bill for trade wars.

Listeners join the show to discuss heavy-hitting historical and political topics. The discussion covers the definition of fascism versus authoritarianism (and whether modern labels fit Trump), the forgotten contributions of Danish soldiers in the War on Terror, and a deep dive into historical revisionism with Brendan Simms’ biography of Hitler. The episode concludes with a nostalgic look at intellectual combat, featuring William F. Buckley, Norman Mailer, and the classic documentary Town Bloody Hall.

Key Questions Answered in This Episode:

1. What does the latest NYT/Siena poll say about Trump’s approval?

2. Who really pays for tariffs: China or the American consumer?

3. Is buying gold and silver a solution to the U.S. National Debt?

4. What is the difference between Fascism and Authoritarianism?

5. What is Brendan Simms’ theory about Hitler’s motivation?

6. Did Denmark fight in the War on Terror?

7. Who won the debate between Norman Mailer and Feminists in Town Bloody Hall?

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