David E. Lewis, a distinguished political science professor at Vanderbilt University, sheds light on the tumultuous first month of Trump's second term. He discusses the swift implementation of over 50 executive orders, from tariffs to immigration bans. The implications for asylum seekers and federal employment protections are critically examined. Lewis also delves into the legal ramifications of controversial policies like the shift in transgender military service and how these actions reshape America’s political landscape and historical narratives.

Max Steyer, CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, David Lewis, political science professor, and Jacqueline Simon, policy director for AFGE, dive into the future of the federal workforce. They explore the implications of initiatives aimed at reducing government positions, discussing the tension between efficiency and the security of civil servants. The guests highlight the critical differences between civil servants and political appointees, advocating for the merit-based system while addressing the challenges of misconceptions about federal workers and their essential contributions.