In this episode, we examine recent expansions of executive power in the U.S., focusing on President Trump's 2025 actions. These include the creation of "Schedule G", which aims to convert many federal employees into at-will workers, and a Supreme Court ruling granting presidents immunity from prosecution for official acts. We also detail a broader campaign to purge the civil service through mass layoffs, demotions, and public watchlists compiled by groups like the American Accountability Foundation (AAF), which targets civil servants deemed disloyal.
Finally, we draw parallels to authoritarian tactics in Turkey, Hungary, and Russia, and argue these actions undermine democratic norms by politicizing the bureaucracy and concentrating power.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Law & Order: Criminal Justice System - Season 1 & Season 2
Season Two Out Now! Law & Order: Criminal Justice System tells the real stories behind the landmark cases that have shaped how the most dangerous and influential criminals in America are prosecuted. In its second season, the series tackles the threat of terrorism in the United States. From the rise of extremist political groups in the 60s to domestic lone wolves in the modern day, we explore how organizations like the FBI and Joint Terrorism Take Force have evolved to fight back against a multitude of terrorist threats.
Dateline NBC
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