The NPR Politics Podcast

How Trump Is Governing In His Second Term

63 snips
Jan 27, 2025
This installment dives into President Trump's recent actions, including the controversial firing of independent inspectors general, raising alarm about governance and oversight. Discussions reveal the erosion of checks and balances and aggressive diplomatic maneuvers, like threats of trade wars and deportation flights to Colombia. The conversation also touches on Trump's unconventional foreign policy tactics, including using tariffs and social media as negotiation tools. Plus, scrutiny surrounding Trump's cabinet picks adds another layer of tension to the political landscape.
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ANECDOTE

Unexpected Dismissals

  • The White House fired about 17 independent inspectors general via email, some while at dinner.
  • One IG, upon receiving calls from colleagues, opened his email to discover his own dismissal.
INSIGHT

Inspectors General Role

  • Inspectors general investigate government agencies for waste, fraud, and abuse.
  • They serve long, apolitical terms, not aligned with presidential terms.
INSIGHT

Trump's Justification

  • President Trump fired some inspectors general he'd appointed, wanting a clean slate.
  • He casually justified the firings, claiming it's common practice, like replacing U.S. attorneys.
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