Trump 2.0: A Presidency Driven by Revenge

Update: 2024-10-11

Digest

This podcast examines the potential consequences of a second Trump presidency, focusing on Trump's history of seeking retribution against perceived enemies. The episode delves into specific examples of Trump's attempts to use the government for retribution, including his efforts to investigate Hillary Clinton, James Comey, and John Kerry. The episode highlights the potential dangers of such actions for democratic norms and the rule of law, warning of the chilling effect such a culture of retribution could have on democratic institutions and public trust in government. The podcast also explores the potential trickle-down effects of Trump's campaign of retribution, arguing that his actions could discourage individuals from speaking out against the government or engaging in activism, as they fear being targeted by the government.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Power of Retribution: A Second Trump Presidency

This episode explores the potential consequences of a second Trump presidency, focusing on his history of seeking retribution against perceived enemies. The episode examines how Trump weaponized the government against his opponents during his first term, using the Justice Department, FBI, and IRS to investigate and target individuals.

00:00:38

Trump's Campaign of Retribution

This episode delves into specific examples of Trump's attempts to use the government for retribution, including his efforts to investigate Hillary Clinton, James Comey, and John Kerry. The episode highlights the potential dangers of such actions for democratic norms and the rule of law.

00:19:02

The Case of John Kerry

This episode focuses on the investigation into John Kerry, initiated by Trump after Kerry criticized his decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. The episode reveals how Trump's public statements and pressure on the Justice Department led to the investigation, despite its lack of merit.

00:25:52

The Consequences of Retribution

This episode explores the potential consequences of a second Trump presidency, emphasizing the increased risk of retribution against political opponents, activists, and even ordinary citizens. The episode warns of the chilling effect such a culture of retribution could have on democratic institutions and public trust in government.

Keywords

Retribution

The act of punishing someone for a wrong they have committed. In this context, it refers to Trump's desire to use the power of the government to punish his political enemies.

Weaponization of Government

The use of government agencies, such as the Justice Department, FBI, and IRS, for political purposes, particularly to target and punish opponents.

Authoritarianism

A form of government characterized by strong central power and limited individual freedoms. The episode suggests that Trump's actions could lead the country down a path towards authoritarianism.

Democratic Norms

The unwritten rules and principles that govern democratic societies, such as the separation of powers, the rule of law, and the protection of individual rights. Trump's actions are seen as a threat to these norms.

Oversight

The process by which legislative bodies monitor and review the actions of the executive branch. The episode suggests that a culture of retribution could discourage oversight and accountability.

Trickle-Down Effect

The idea that actions taken by those in power can have unintended consequences for others, particularly those who are less powerful. The episode explores the potential trickle-down effects of Trump's campaign of retribution.

Q&A

How did Trump weaponize the government against his enemies during his first term?
Trump used the Justice Department, FBI, and IRS to investigate and target individuals he perceived as enemies, often based on political motivations rather than evidence or the law.
What are the potential consequences of a second Trump presidency for democratic norms and the rule of law?
A second Trump presidency could lead to a further erosion of democratic norms, as Trump's desire for retribution could chill political dissent, discourage oversight, and undermine public trust in government.
What specific examples of Trump's attempts to use the government for retribution are discussed in the episode?
The episode highlights investigations into Hillary Clinton, James Comey, and John Kerry, revealing how Trump's public statements and pressure on the Justice Department led to these investigations, despite their lack of merit.
How does the episode address the argument that Trump's actions are simply \"bluster\" and not a real threat to democracy?
The episode refutes this argument by providing evidence that Trump's desire for retribution was not just talk, but a reality that resulted in investigations and other actions that had a significant impact on the lives of those targeted.
What is the \"trickle-down effect\" of Trump's campaign of retribution?
The episode argues that Trump's actions could have a chilling effect on political dissent, discouraging individuals from speaking out against the government or engaging in activism, as they fear being targeted by the government.

Show Notes

In a special series, “The Daily” examines what a second Trump presidency would look like, and how it would challenge democratic norms.

This episode focuses on former President Donald J. Trump’s growing plans for revenge, which his allies and supporters often dismiss as mere bluster.

Michael S. Schmidt, an investigative reporter at The New York Times, found that when Mr. Trump asked for retribution in his first term, he got it, over and over again.

Guest: Michael S. Schmidt, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, covering Washington.

Background reading:

Here are cases of Trump rivals who were subject to investigation.
Read excerpts from memos written for Mr. Trump about his powers to prosecute.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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