Has Trump Achieved a Lot Less Than It Seems?

The podcast examines the first year of Donald Trump's second term as president, questioning the extent of durable policy change amidst the perceived chaos and activity. Yuval Levin, a conservative thinker, argues that despite the numerous narratives of both achievement and controversy, the administration has accomplished less in terms of traditional policy changes than previous administrations. Levin points to increased federal spending despite efforts to reduce it and the administration's focus on "retail dealmaking" rather than "wholesale policymaking," using executive power to drive behavioral change in specific institutions. Immigration is highlighted as a significant exception where the administration has achieved durable change. The conversation also explores the deformation of federal law enforcement and the shift in the Republican party towards populism.