Apple News Today: Are Democratic Checks and Balances Breaking Down?

Release Date: March 21, 2025
Host: Shemitah Basu

In the March 21, 2025 episode of Apple News Today, host Shemitah Basu delves into pressing concerns surrounding the erosion of democratic norms in the United States. The episode features an in-depth conversation with Ankush Kadori, a former federal prosecutor and senior writer at Politico, who provides expert insights into the current state of American democracy.

I. Erosion of Democratic Checks and Balances

The episode opens with Basu highlighting alarms raised by the Varieties of Democracy Project. According to the project's head, if current trends continue, democracy in the U.S. may not survive another six months. This dire prediction sets the stage for a discussion on the weakening of the essential checks and balances that uphold American democracy.

Basu (00:05):

"We begin with growing concerns that the checks and balances that define American democracy are breaking down."

II. Actions by the Trump Administration and Legal Challenges

Basu examines the Trump administration's controversial moves, such as the executive order to close the Department of Education. These actions, which aim to significantly reduce or eliminate agencies established by Congress, have sparked multiple lawsuits questioning their constitutionality.

Basu (00:05):

"President Trump's administration is taking actions that historically and constitutionally have been outside of the executive branch's power."

Ankush Kadori underscores the severity of these actions, noting the lack of historical precedent in the judiciary's response.

Kadori (02:07):

"Justice Roberts gives a state of the judiciary speech, issues a report. But a comment like this, sort of right in the middle of a news cycle... is very comparable."

The episode details instances where the administration appears to disregard court orders, including a recent event where a federal judge ordered the administration to provide flight data related to migrant deportations—a directive the administration labeled as "woefully insufficient" (03:10).

III. Threats to Due Process and Free Speech

Basu shifts focus to the administration's handling of deportations and detentions, emphasizing the lack of due process for both migrants and legal residents. The deportations of Venezuelan migrants and green card holders without adequate legal procedures highlight a troubling trend.

Basu (04:16):

"These deportations and detentions are happening largely without due process."

Kadori elaborates on the potential ramifications, stressing that undermining the First Amendment could stifle dissent and democracy itself.

Kadori (04:53):

"The First Amendment is central to American identity... It is very, very unhealthy for our democracy."

He draws parallels to historical events like the Palmer Raids, cautioning against repeating past mistakes that led to severe infringements on civil liberties.

IV. Public Opinion and Congressional Response

The conversation delves into public sentiment regarding these actions. While Trump maintains strong support on immigration issues, Kadori warns that eroding constitutional principles could shift public opinion negatively over time.

Basu (06:26):

"These things can exist at the same time in America."

Kadori (06:54):

"Trump has a way of shifting public opinion on these issues... We saw this, for instance, in the January 6th polling."

He also critiques Congress, particularly the Republican majority, for not effectively resisting the administration's overreach, leading to a centralization of power in the executive branch.

Kadori (09:52):

"It is actually happening because Congress has not put up a fight."

V. Implications for American Democracy

Kadori warns that the continued expansion of executive power undermines the very foundation of democracy, making the government less responsive and more unstable. The potential for wild swings in policy with each administration further exacerbates this instability.

Kadori (08:32):

"It would be very, very difficult to understate how broad the implications would be... We would have a very unstable government."

He emphasizes the importance of robust checks to prevent the worst-case scenario of the administration defying court orders and consolidating power.

VI. Other Notable News from the Episode

After the in-depth discussion, Basu transitions to other significant news stories:

1. Closure of the Department of Education:

   • Basu (11:13): Details President Trump's executive order to begin eliminating the Department over the next 45 years, facing legal challenges and opposition from the American Federation of Teachers.

2. Privacy Breach in JFK Assassination Papers:

   • Basu (11:13): Reports on the unintended release of sensitive information, including Social Security numbers of former congressional staffers, causing public outcry and prompting remedial actions from the administration.

3. Election of Kirsty Coventry as IOC President:

   • Basu (11:13): Highlights Coventry’s historic election as the first female and African president of the International Olympic Committee, marking a significant milestone in global sports leadership.

Additionally, the episode teases an upcoming interview with Brian Kelly, known as "the points guy," who shares insights on affordable global travel.

Conclusion

This episode of Apple News Today offers a comprehensive analysis of the current threats to American democracy, emphasizing the critical need to uphold checks and balances. Through expert commentary and detailed reporting, Basu and Kadori shed light on the profound implications of the Trump administration's actions and the urgent need for congressional and public response to preserve democratic integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Basu (00:05): "We begin with growing concerns that the checks and balances that define American democracy are breaking down."
• Kadori (02:07): "Justice Roberts gives a state of the judiciary speech... is very comparable."
• Kadori (04:53): "The First Amendment is central to American identity... It is very, very unhealthy for our democracy."
• Kadori (06:54): "Trump has a way of shifting public opinion on these issues..."
• Kadori (09:52): "It is actually happening because Congress has not put up a fight."

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