In this episode of The Ezra Klein Show, the focus is on the troubling implications of Donald Trump's potential second-term appointments. The discussion, featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Anne Applebaum, delves into the concerning trend of placing loyalists and possibly unqualified individuals in critical government roles. Applebaum draws parallels between Trump's actions and those of historical authoritarian regimes, warning about the risks of him consolidating power within key agencies like the Department of Justice and intelligence services. This could lead to personal vendettas and a weakening of democratic institutions. The conversation also examines Elon Musk's influence and possible conflicts of interest. Ultimately, the episode serves as a cautionary tale about the drift towards authoritarianism and underscores the importance of active civic engagement to combat this trend.
