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In today’s episode of Surviving Trump, we continue our deep dive into the pillars of democracy and how Trump’s actions are threatening them. With four years ahead, his efforts to consolidate power are just beginning.

We’ll explore two critical pillars:

• Checks and Balances – How Trump is bypassing safeguards meant to limit presidential power.
• Freedom of Speech & Press – How he’s controlling the narrative and silencing critics.

Understanding these attacks on democracy isn’t just important—it’s essential. The more informed we are, the better prepared we are to resist.

Key Quotes from the Blue Choir Panel

• “The weakening of checks & balances will cause further lack of confidence in protecting democracy.” – Arthur
• “Some judges, lawmakers, and influencers are standing up, but too many are going with the flow—or worse, joining in.” – Karen 

Next Episodes: 

• Episode 4:
  • The growing power of Christian nationalism, aims to blur the lines between church and state. We’ll also explore Trump’s aggressive changes to education policy—shaping what children learn, who controls the curriculum, and how these shifts could erode democracy for generations to come.
• Episode 5: 
  • With sweeping executive orders, Trump’s administration is dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, reversing decades of civil rights protections, and reshaping the justice system to serve political interests. These moves threaten equal opportunity, limit access to education, and push law enforcement toward authoritarian control.

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Bella Goode is a pseudonym — but the voice, research, and mission are all real. A Republican turned Democrat advocate in 2016, I was raised by middle class parents in Pennsylvania. I’m a former marketing executive, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner with an MBA from Wharton and a Master’s in Psychology from Penn. I spent decades telling stories in the business world; now I use those skills to connect the dots in American politics.

I’m here because the truth matters — and because the stakes have never been higher. Surviving Trump isn’t lighthearted. It’s clarity, evidence, and a fight for the future of our democracy.

Follow my blog on Substack bellagoodepodcast.substack.com