The David Frum Show

Rosa Brooks, a law and public policy professor at Georgetown and former Pentagon advisor, dives into Trump’s controversial use of National Guard troops in D.C. She warns about the dangers of militarized policing and the precedent it sets for authoritarianism in America. The conversation also touches on Trump's foreign policy blunders, including tensions with allies like South Korea and Greenland, asserting that these actions reveal a troubling shift away from diplomatic engagement. It's a vital discussion on where leadership could lead the nation.

Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of The Constitution of Knowledge, joins the conversation to explore how societies discern truth in an era rife with disinformation. He highlights the dangers posed by misinformation and authoritarian tactics that exploit confusion. The discussion underscores the importance of a reality-based community and a constitutional framework for promoting truth. Rauch argues that despite the overwhelming spread of falsehoods, reality ultimately prevails if we defend knowledge and free speech.

Mary Beard, a leading scholar of the classical world and expert on ancient Rome, joins for a fascinating discussion. She delves into the lessons Rome offers for today's politics, particularly how power was wielded by emperors. Beard challenges modern myths of Roman grandeur and reveals the everyday realities under the Empire. They explore the fragility of regimes and why excessive corruption was systemic. Together, they analyze the importance of critical historical interpretation in modern political discourse and the lessons it holds for democracy today.

Caitlin Dickerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter for The Atlantic, dives deep into the troubling transformation of U.S. immigration policy under Trump. She uncovers how the massive budget surge for ICE, increasing from $8 billion to $28 billion, has fueled mass detentions and empowered private-prison companies. Dickerson critiques how fear-based governance has reshaped American society, raising concerns about the integrity of law enforcement and the ethics of current immigration practices. Her insights shine a light on urgent issues within immigration enforcement.

Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin and co-founder of Plumtree Software, discusses the dismal state of the U.S. housing market. He explains how pandemic-era mortgage rates have paralyzed both buyers and sellers, leaving many young people unable to purchase homes. The conversation dives into essential topics like zoning reform, immigration, and the aging of first-time homebuyers. Despite the challenges, Kelman remains hopeful for a brighter future if America can relearn how to build effectively.

Tim Mak, a Kyiv-based journalist and founder of The Counteroffensive, and Adrian Karatnycky, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, discuss Ukraine's unwavering spirit amidst U.S. political shifts. They analyze the evolving battlefield dynamics, highlighting the unity of the Ukrainian people and the importance of resisting any peace that capitulates to Russia. The conversation also covers President Zelensky's controversial anti-corruption initiatives, the rise of youth-led protests, and the complex interplay of U.S. support and Ukrainian nationalism in these turbulent times.

In this discussion, Doug Irwin, a trade historian from Dartmouth and author of 'Clashing Over Commerce', reveals how protectionist policies often backfire. He explains the unintended economic consequences of Trump's tariffs, which disproportionately affect lower-income citizens and harm trade relationships. Irwin also delves into the historical shifts in U.S. trade policy, emphasizing the dangers of abandoning the bipartisan free-trade consensus and the complexities of modern trade that challenge outdated views on tariffs and trade deficits.

Ritchie Torres, a Congressman from New York's 15th District, shares his journey from public housing to Congress as a leading voice for centrism in the Democratic Party. He discusses the dangers of performative politics and the far-left's rise, stressing that intensity, not majority support, drives change. Torres emphasizes the need for a serious governing agenda to address America’s affordability crisis, underscoring the importance of decency and connection in political campaigns while navigating the complex dynamics within the party.

Peter Strzok, a former FBI counterintelligence official and author, shares insights into the agency's turmoil during Trump's second term. He discusses how political pressures have led to the purging of experts and weakening of national security functions, leaving the U.S. vulnerable to foreign threats. Strzok also addresses the implications of Trump's controversial decisions regarding Jeffrey Epstein and his ongoing legal battle over his firing. The conversation sheds light on the shifting landscape of the FBI and the broader political fractures within Trump's base.

George Conway, a former litigator and outspoken Trump critic, joins for a compelling discussion on the fragility of legal institutions in the Trump era. He shares his transformation from corporate attorney to activist, highlighting the unsettling reality that courts may fail to curb executive overreach. Conway emphasizes Congress's shortcomings in upholding its constitutional duties and critiques the judiciary's capability to rein in a president who disregards the law. This conversation sheds light on the broader implications of legislation impacting American rights and the economy.