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Patrick Eddington

Senior fellow in homeland security and civil liberties at the Cato Institute and author on domestic surveillance and political repression; guest expert on the National Guard and civil-military issues.

Top 10 podcasts with Patrick Eddington

Ranked by the Snipd community
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27 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 43min

How Government Shutdowns Actually Work

In this discussion, Patrick Eddington, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute focusing on homeland security and civil liberties, explores the intricate mechanics of government shutdowns. He highlights that Trump's 35-day shutdown sets a precedent for today's contentious politics. Patrick sheds light on how essential services continue while stressing the chaotic impacts on hiring and civil service morale. He warns against executive overreach amidst budget negotiations, emphasizing the fragile state of civil liberties in an increasingly polarized environment.
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14 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 55min

The Triumph of Fear: Domestic Surveillance and Political Repression from McKinley Through Eisenhower

Patrick Eddington, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and author of "The Triumph of Fear," delves into the historical roots of federal surveillance and political repression in America. He discusses the rise of government surveillance post-McKinley's assassination, highlighting Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson's expansive measures. Eddington explores the tension between civil liberties and national security during wartime, as well as the legacy of these practices from early 20th century through the Cold War, revealing how fear continues to shape modern governance.
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7 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 13min

Patrick Eddington: How to 'Tyranny-Proof' America

In this enlightening discussion, Patrick Eddington, a former CIA analyst and author of 'The Triumph of Fear', exposes the unsettling realities of the modern surveillance state and its infringement on civil liberties. He delves into the ethical dilemmas posed by tech giant Palantir, revealing its questionable ties with authoritarian practices. Eddington underscores the importance of legislative reforms for data protection, critiques historical law enforcement misuse, and rallies for active citizenship to safeguard democracy. This eye-opening conversation is a must-listen for advocates of privacy and freedom.
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5 snips
Feb 22, 2025 • 10min

Questions about Trump's Second Amendment Executive Order

Patrick Eddington, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute and author of The Triumph of Fear, examines President Trump's executive order on firearms. He highlights the significant missed opportunities related to Second Amendment rights. Eddington critiques the Mexican government's lawsuit against Smith & Wesson, questioning its lack of documentation and legal grounding. The conversation delves into the implications for the firearms industry and the challenges in holding manufacturers liable, revealing the complexities of gun rights and regulation amidst ongoing violence.
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4 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 18min

The politicization of the National Guard

In this insightful discussion, Patrick Eddington, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute with expertise in civil liberties, delves into the controversial deployment of the National Guard in U.S. cities. He highlights the Guard's evolving role and the legal challenges surrounding these unprecedented actions. Eddington warns of the dangers of politicizing military presence, especially ahead of elections. He also emphasizes the historical concerns of military intimidation in civilian spaces and offers recommendations for citizen action and reform.
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Oct 7, 2025 • 18min

The politicization of the National Guard

In a compelling discussion, Patrick Eddington, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute and an expert in civil liberties, dives into the unprecedented politicization of the National Guard under recent administrations. He sheds light on the evolving role of the Guard, highlighting concerns over military morale and legal challenges to deployments. Eddington warns of the implications these actions have on communities and civil rights, urging for reform and a return to constitutional principles in the face of rising political tensions.
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Feb 28, 2025 • 13min

In Asking for New Federal Scrutiny of Civil Society Groups, Is HUAC Back?

Patrick Eddington, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute and author of 'The Triumph of Fear', delves into the resurgence of scrutiny faced by civil society groups in the U.S. He draws chilling parallels to the House Un-American Activities Committee, discussing how current Congressional actions may prioritize political gains over pressing national issues. Eddington highlights the dangers of targeting marginalized organizations and warns against the erosion of First Amendment rights, questioning the implications of such scrutiny in today's political landscape.
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Sep 25, 2024 • 12min

The Search for Accountability for Warrantless Surveillance

Patrick Eddington, a policy analyst at Cato focusing on surveillance and accountability, dives into the critical issues surrounding warrantless federal surveillance. He sheds light on the challenges of obtaining internal audits revealing unauthorized FBI queries on Americans. The conversation highlights the urgent need for transparency amid reauthorization efforts and discusses strategies to ensure accountability. Eddington advocates for restoring constitutional safeguards, stressing the importance of proper cause and warrants to protect individual rights against invasive surveillance practices.
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Jul 1, 2024 • 8min

A Tiny Silver Lining for Liberty in the NDAA

National security and civil liberties expert Patrick Eddington discusses the potential removal of an unAmerican provision in the NDAA. The podcast addresses concerns on indefinite detention of US citizens in the act and efforts to amend or repeal controversial provisions, including a proposed amendment by Matt Rosendale. The bipartisan efforts to reform legislation impacting constitutional rights are also explored, emphasizing the necessity of actively reassessing laws for the benefit of constitutional liberties.
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Apr 24, 2024 • 18min

Congressional Fans of Warrantless Surveillance on Americans Win Another Round

Patrick Eddington, privacy expert at Cato Institute, discusses Congress's decision to extend warrantless surveillance on Americans. The podcast highlights the debate on privacy rights, concerns about surveillance authorities, and the push for reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in surveillance programs.

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