Today in Focus
Mehdi Hasan on Trump’s first 100 days
Apr 30, 2025
Mehdi Hasan, a Guardian US columnist and editor-in-chief of Zeteo, dives into the implications of Donald Trump's second term. He explores potential threats to democracy, including plans to pardon January 6th insurrectionists and the fallout from budget cuts targeting vulnerable populations. Hasan critiques the lack of resistance from institutions to Trump's authoritarian tendencies and emphasizes the risks of normalization. He also discusses how a potential recession could reshape political dynamics and the urgent need for the Democratic Party to offer a clear alternative to safeguard democratic values.
33:55
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Quick takeaways
- Trump's potential first 100 days would focus on consolidating power through pardons, policy reversals, and exclusionary practices.
- The alarming lack of resistance from major institutions to Trump's agenda raises profound concerns about the future of democracy and civil liberties.
Deep dives
Envisioning Trump's Second Term
If Donald Trump were to win the 2024 election, his first 100 days would likely involve immediate and significant actions to consolidate his power. He would focus on pardoning those involved in the January 6th insurrection and reversing key climate policies by withdrawing from international agreements. Additionally, he may push for the establishment of large detention camps and continue to implement exclusionary policies, which could include reintroducing the Muslim ban. These actions reflect a strategy focused on expanding his influence while catering to his core supporters and creating a platform built around his personal interests.
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