Trump's Radical Reign (with Anne Applebaum) - Stay Tuned with Preet Recap

Podcast: Stay Tuned with Preet

Published: 2026-02-05

Duration: 1 hr 2 min

Summary

Anne Applebaum discusses the radical nature of the current administration, emphasizing the erosion of democratic norms and the complicity of both voters and politicians. She explores the implications of recent ICE operations and critiques the failure of institutions to uphold the rule of law.

What Happened

In this episode, Preet Barara welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Anne Applebaum, who dives deep into the radical nature of the Trump administration. Applebaum argues that this administration represents a significant departure from traditional conservatism, highlighting how Trump's disregard for the rule of law has dangerous implications for democracy. She points to recent events in Minneapolis, where ICE operations resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens, to illustrate the broader shift in state power and the implications for civil rights and safety.

Applebaum expresses concern over the complicity of Republican politicians who have failed to hold Trump accountable, stating that many are ignoring their constitutional responsibilities. She reflects on the notion that some voters may not recognize the erosion of their rights, echoing an observation from her colleague at The Atlantic about Trump's ability to convince portions of the population that these issues are not significant. This slow chipping away of rights, she argues, mirrors patterns seen in other countries where elected leaders undermine democratic institutions for personal gain. Applebaum ultimately calls for a more robust articulation of democracy and liberal values to resonate with the electorate.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What does Anne Applebaum mean by a radical administration?

Anne Applebaum identifies the current administration as radical, stating that it does not align with traditional conservative values. She emphasizes the profound disregard for the rule of law exhibited by Trump and his family, highlighting issues such as conflicts of interest and direct payments to Trump companies that would have been unacceptable in previous administrations. This radical approach, she argues, significantly deviates from historical conservatism, leading to a unique and troubling political climate.

How have ICE operations impacted U.S. citizens according to Applebaum?

Applebaum discusses recent ICE operations in Minneapolis, which resulted in the tragic deaths of two U.S. citizens. She argues that these incidents reflect a broader shift in the exercise of state power, suggesting that the implications extend beyond immigration enforcement to encompass issues of civil rights and state authority. This pattern of aggressive enforcement and its consequences raises serious concerns about the safety and rights of citizens.

What role do Republican politicians play in the current political climate?

Applebaum expresses deep concern regarding Republican politicians who have failed to hold Trump accountable. She points out that many are not using their constitutional powers to check illegal actions by the president. This complicity not only undermines democratic norms but also raises questions about the integrity of political institutions. She argues that both voters and politicians share responsibility for the current state of affairs.

How does Anne Applebaum view the American electorate's awareness of their rights?

Applebaum believes that many voters may not fully grasp the erosion of their rights, a situation exacerbated by Trump's ability to frame these issues as insignificant. She references a colleague's observation that one of Trump's greatest tricks has been convincing parts of the population that their slow loss of rights is not a big deal. This lack of awareness is troubling, as it indicates a complacency among voters regarding their own democratic rights.

Can democracy and economic issues be connected in political discourse?

Applebaum argues that it is entirely possible to connect democracy with economic issues in political discourse. She cites an example from Poland, where pro-rule of law parties successfully linked democratic principles with issues that resonated with ordinary voters. This approach demonstrates that discussions of democracy do not need to be esoteric; rather, they can be articulated in ways that appeal to the everyday concerns of citizens, thus bridging the gap between complex political ideas and tangible economic realities.