This week, John Dickerson and David Plotz are joined by Juliette Kayyem to discuss how Elon Musk and DOGE are endangering Americans; the Trump administration’s attacks on universities and the arrest of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil; and the politics of the measles outbreak centered on West Texas.For this week’s Slate Plus bonus episode, John and David are joined by Juliette Kayyem to discuss taking your kids to work: great, weird, terrible, or all of the above? In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily talks with author Rich Benjamin about his new book, Talk to Me: Lessons From a Family Forged by History. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Research by Emily Ditto Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week dives into Trump’s authoritarian speech, highlighting its performative nature and failure to address key issues. The conversation shifts to U.S.-Ukraine relations and the critical impact of military aid amidst rising tensions with Russia. They reflect on how COVID-19 has reshaped American society, including trust in institutions and health rights. There's also a nod to the misunderstood contributions of women in the space program and a look at the NYC mayoral race's implications for national politics.

Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-chief of The Economist, shares her insights on the shifting dynamics of the transatlantic alliance and Europe's perception of the U.S. as an unreliable ally. They discuss the geopolitical consequences following the Ukraine invasion and Europe's defense needs. The conversation also touches on the House GOP's budget resolution, navigating political tensions, and the Trump administration's aggressive media tactics that threaten journalistic integrity. It's a thought-provoking debate on global politics amidst rising populism.

This week, Marc Dunkelman, a Fellow at Brown University and author of "Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress – and How to Bring it Back," dives into modern governance challenges. He discusses the corrosive effects of political corruption, particularly highlighting NYC's Mayor Eric Adams. The conversation takes a sharp turn as the group examines the ethical dilemmas in the justice system, especially influenced by the Trump era, and touches on the troubling implications of data management in government, sparked by figures like Elon Musk.

Rich Benjamin, author of "Talk to Me: Lessons From a Family Forged by History," shares insights into his family's remarkable past, including his grandfather Daniel Fignolé, who served as Haiti's president in 1957. They discuss the lasting impacts of political turmoil on Rich's life and family dynamics. The conversation delves into the immigrant experience, exploring themes of identity, trauma, and the struggle to balance cultural heritage with adaptation in a new environment. Rich also highlights the importance of empathy in understanding diverse backgrounds.

The discussion revolves around the brewing constitutional crisis between Trump and the courts, shedding light on historical echoes of executive overreach. Delving into funding woes at NIH, the impact on public vs. private institutions is critically examined. Workplace dynamics and political polarization are also explored, emphasizing the strain on corporate culture. The dangers of autonomous AI infiltrating systems raise ethical concerns, all while inspiring insights from a TV show resonate with contemporary issues.

David Leonhardt, a New York Times columnist known for his sharp economic insights, joins the discussion on the widening gap between American prosperity and citizens' quality of life. He highlights the paradox of economic growth not equating to better well-being, addressing social isolation and income inequality. The conversation also touches on the interplay of influential political figures and their rapidly shifting governance, alongside contentious immigration policies and their broader implications on the economy and society.

Jonathan Rauch, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of "Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy," joins the discussion. He delves into the relationship between evangelical communities and politics, exploring the emergence of a 'Church of Fear.' The conversation also touches on the implications of AI advancements, specifically China's DeepSeek technology, and its impact on competition in the market. Additionally, the chaos surrounding federal funding freezes under the Trump administration is critically analyzed, highlighting its effects on vital programs.

The hosts dive into Trump's executive orders on immigration and the federal workforce, exploring their implications. They discuss the significance of recent pardons related to January 6th and the political fallout. The complexity of presidential pardons is examined, alongside the evolving symbolism of inaugurations and their impact on political leadership. A fascinating side discussion covers animal rights in a Colorado zoo, tying in ecological themes. It's a whirlwind of political insights and surprising connections!

Emily Bazelon talks with author Yael van der Wouden about her debut novel, The Safekeep. They discuss why Yael chose a queer love story, how Yael’s own Dutch and Jewish heritage influenced her writing, the history of dispossession after World War II, and more. Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at gabfest@slate.com. (Messages could be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)Podcast production by Cheyna Roth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices