The Munk Debates Podcast Munk Dialogue with Andrew Coyne: America's checks and balances are failing to restrain Donald Trump
Aug 6, 2025
Andrew Coyne, a columnist for The Globe and Mail, joins the discussion to explore the troubling state of American democracy under Donald Trump. He questions why Trump's radical policies face minimal pushback and whether he represents a flaw or an evolution in the system. The conversation shifts to Israel's strategy in Gaza, analyzing the government's lack of a coherent plan and the repercussions of military actions on international goodwill. Coyne emphasizes the dire need for resolution amid a host of unfavorable options.
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Trump Undermines Checks and Balances
- Donald Trump bypasses many traditional institutional checks and balances that usually restrain U.S. presidents.
- He disregards conscience, conventions, public opinion, and even court rulings, which destabilizes American democratic norms.
Media's Struggle Against Trump
- The U.S. media struggles to hold Trump accountable due to his constant norm-breaking and sheer volume of scandals.
- Corporate media is vulnerable to intimidation and business pressures, limiting robust criticism.
Universities and Free Speech Failures
- American universities have allowed negative cultures like anti-Semitism and restricted speech to flourish.
- Trump and the Republicans exploit this discontent but ironically impose stricter speech control than left-wing ideologues.