Beverly Gage, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "G-Man," gives a deep dive into the controversial legacy of J. Edgar Hoover and his impact on the FBI. She explores how Hoover's tactics of weaponizing the FBI laid the groundwork for political interference. Gage warns that under Kash Patel, the agency could see an even greater politicization. The conversation also touches on Hoover's manipulative political mastery and the challenges of reforming an institution that has historically struggled with accountability.

Beverly Gage, a Yale historian and author of "G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century," dives into the surprising acceptance of foreign autocrats in U.S. politics, especially during Trump's presidency. She explores how historical admiration for dictators is woven into American political life. Gage also discusses the modern political shift towards authoritarianism, linking domestic grievances with the rise of foreign autocrats and drawing parallels to McCarthyism, revealing the intricate connections between past and present ideologies.

J. Edgar Hoover served as director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 48 years, from 1924 until 1972. Since his death, Hoover has become one of the most reviled figures in American history due to FBI operations under his leadership to spy on Americans, including government officials, in order to manipulate democratic politics.To discuss Hoover's extraordinary role in American politics in the 20th century and the continuing influence of his legacy today, Lawfare co-founder and Harvard Law professor Jack Goldsmith sat down with Yale University history professor Beverly Gage, who is the author of a new biography of Hoover called, “G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century.” They discussed why Hoover's place in American history is much more complex than conventional wisdom suggests; Hoover as a master bureaucrat who managed the press, Hollywood, and senior government officials to maintain enormous popularity throughout his reign as FBI director; how Hoover, the fierce anti-communist, was the key to the elimination of McCarthyism in the 1950s; and much, much more.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beverly Gage, an expert on J. Edgar Hoover, discusses his role as the Director of the FBI, his membership in Kappa Alpha fraternity, the Palmer raids, McCarthyism, FBI tactics to suppress left-wing ideas, the relationship with Joseph McCarthy, and the revelation of secret FBI operations.

J. Edgar Hoover was a controversial figure who served as the director of the FBI for nearly five decades. In this episode, we explore his life and legacy with Beverly Gage, a professor of 20th-century U.S. history and author of the Bancroft Prize-winning biography "G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century."We discuss The context in which Hoover developed his anti-communist worldview, and how this shaped his approach to law enforcement. The deportation of anarchists to Bolshevik Russia. Similarities between Hoover and Xi Jinping. The role of FBI informants, including one who met with Mao Zedong. Outro music: G-Man Hoover by Van Dyke Parks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E566LbON5QACheck out ChinaTalk.media for transcripts, analysis and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices