Podcast Summary: Cómo acabar con Trump (sin dispararle) - Carne Cruda #1657
Main Theme
This special edition of Carne Cruda, broadcast from the European Parliament in Brussels, explores the resurgence of international resistance against Donald Trump’s reactionary politics, focusing on the transatlantic connections between European left-wing activism and U.S.-based movements. The episode shines a light on grassroots organizing, the new wave of labor and tenants movements, journalistic resistance, and digital mobilization, emphasizing the need for unified, intersectional, and creative strategies to counter oppression and authoritarianism—without resorting to violence.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Setting the Stage: The Threat of Trumpism
[00:49–01:45]
- Estrella Galán (Euro MP, SUMAR & The Left): Frames the European Parliament as a contested space where defending human rights has grown increasingly difficult. She warns of the Union’s complicity in the global "international of hate" stretching from the U.S. to Gaza.
- “La cobardía o el silencio cómplice... está convirtiéndonos en un lugar para retroceder y ser cómplices de esa internacional del odio.” – Estrella Galán [01:19]
2. Transatlantic Impact of Trump on Europe
[01:45–04:11]
- Galán criticizes the EU’s submission to U.S. interests under Trump, criticizing photo-ops like Von der Leyen’s meeting at Trump’s golf club.
- She argues for EU strategic autonomy (energy, voice), noting the need for courage against the U.S.'s global influence, especially its collaboration with Israel and actions against countries like Cuba.
3. Self-Critique and the Left's Unity
[05:28–07:15]
- Galán reflects on the left’s failures, especially not defending migration boldly enough, allowing the far right to set the agenda.
- “No abordar las causas con valentía nos llevan a la situación en la que estamos.” – Estrella Galán [06:24]
- She notes that in Brussels, it’s easier to work across lines, but the left must focus on the true enemy: fascism.
4. New Faces of Resistance in the U.S.
[07:21–13:12]
- The episode features several leaders in U.S. resistance, including Soran Mandani (New York’s Muslim Socialist Mayor), Megan Romer (DSA co-chair), and other journalists and academics.
- Mandani introduces bold wealth taxes for education and social spending, symbolizing unashamedly leftist policies.
5. Authenticity, Unity & Populist Communication
[10:47–12:07]
- Lauren Balor: Stresses the importance of authenticity in left leadership, unity across causes, and not being distracted by petty divisions.
- “Construir ese movimiento... es trabajar con unidad, con un programa común, con objetivos comunes y no distraerse de cosas pequeñas.” – Lauren Balor [11:33]
6. Media, Manipulation & the Battle for Public Opinion
[12:07–16:24]
- Lauren Balor (Jacobin Magazine) highlights the double-edged role of modern media: while digital platforms can build virality and reach, they can also diminish media literacy and deepen misinformation, both intentionally exploited by fascistic politics.
- “Hay factores que afectan al hecho de que Trump llegara al poder y volviera... la socavación de la alfabetización de la población...” – Lauren Balor [14:08]
7. Strategies: Populism and Historical Memory
[16:40–19:37]
- Left communication should adapt: using populist tools for mass engagement while retaining depth and history (e.g., through magazines, podcasts, events).
- “Necesitamos películas, podcast, publicaciones, libros... experiencias de interacción para poder conectar una vez más con la historia.” – Lauren Balor [18:30]
8. Academic & Cultural Repression
[19:37–24:14]
- Mark Bray (Rutgers historian): Discusses intensifying ideological repression under Trump: censorship, bans on books (notably in FL, IA, TX), academic purges, criminalization of protests.
- “Su discurso sobre la libertad de expresión siempre ha sido una mentira.” – Mark Bray [21:21]
9. Organized Academic Resistance
[22:21–24:14]
- Resistance thrives through unions and cross-campus alliances; union power is key to defending academic freedom and standing against state violence.
10. Perils of Inaction & The Need for Relentless Activism
[24:14–25:57]
- Lauren Balor emphasizes that doing nothing is most dangerous: “ser un fascista no debería ser divertido” [25:45]. Apathy lets reactionaries win by default.
11. Countering Trumpist Spectacle
[25:57–27:24]
- Don't take the bait of provocation; focus on your own message and community-building.
- “Es más divertido ser antifascista. Y debemos crear comunidad de resistencia que los jóvenes quieren participar.” – Mark Bray [27:06]
The New American Labor Movement & Intersectional Grassroots
[28:24–38:52]
Amazon Labor Union & Organizing Under Fire
- Chris Smols & Megan Romer recount forming the first Amazon union: relentless daily outreach, facing multimillion-dollar anti-union campaigns, but ultimately succeeding through unity and persistence.
- “Ninguna cantidad de dinero puede parar el poder de la gente unida... unidas por una idea: que Jeff Bezos gana demasiado dinero y merecemos nuestra parte.” – Megan Romer [28:44]
- Organizing transcends presidents—real power lies in collective actions like strikes, not in focusing on leaders.
- “La gente todavía tiene el poder. Nos recuerda que tenemos ese poder y debemos negarnos a trabajar para salir del agujero.” – Megan Romer [30:38]
- Victory requires enduring commitment, growing solidarity (especially among youth and across racial, feminist, LGBT struggles), and accountability for politicians and unions alike.
Making Activism “Sexy” & Culturally Resonant
- Romer argues activism must be fun, authentic, and visible in culture (music, fashion, arts):
- “Siempre digo que tenemos que hacer que organizarse sea divertido para que la generación más joven se motive y se una.” [37:10]
- “Lo que estoy haciendo... es volver a poner de moda el organizarse.” [38:18]
Mass Protests, Tenants’ Rights & Digital Movements
[38:57–52:48]
Post-Deportation Organizing in Minnesota
- Roberto de la Riva (Inquilinos Unidos por Justicia): Describes organizing tenants and migrants in Minneapolis, the transformative effect of mass ICE raids and state violence, and how losing fear is key.
- “La cosa más importante... es perder el miedo. En Estados Unidos, perderse el miedo para el inmigrante y para la persona luchando es un logro tremendo...” – Roberto de la Riva [42:11]
50-50-1: Decentralized Mass Mobilization via Reddit
- Sara Parker & Logan Adam Keys explain how a decentralized model allows organizing in all 50 states, using digital tools for local and synchronous actions (like the No Kings protests).
- “Tenemos organizaciones también con las que trabajamos mano a mano... porque como estamos descentralizados, quiere decir que es muy difícil pararnos.” – Lauren Balor [45:15]
- Hyperlocalization and inter-organizational synergy prove vital: success comes from connecting labor, tenants, migrants, and more.
Lessons for Europe
- Build power at the grassroots, starting in every possible space (local, online, social, academic).
- Leverage historical lessons and civil rights strategies, work with people on the ground: “Los miembros de la comunidad... ya cuentan con los recursos para poder hacerlo.” – Lauren Balor [49:26]
- The antidote to atomization? Persistent, cross-generational, intersectional coalition-building that welcomes everyone’s contribution, no matter how small.
Memorable Quotes & Moments by Timestamp
- Estrella Galán, on EU complicity:
“La cobardía o el silencio cómplice... está convirtiéndonos en un lugar para retroceder y ser cómplices de esa internacional del odio.” [01:19]
- Lauren Balor, on left leadership:
“Construir ese movimiento... es trabajar con unidad... y no distraerse de cosas pequeñas.” [11:33]
- Lauren Balor, on Trump-era media:
“La socavación de la alfabetización de la población... es buena para Trump...” [14:08]
- Mark Bray, on free speech:
“Su discurso sobre la libertad de expresión siempre ha sido una mentira.” [21:21]
- Lauren Balor, on apathy:
“La idea de esta apatía, pues es muy peligrosa, porque nada, hay que hacer algo.” [24:42]
- Mark Bray, on antifascist joy:
“Es más divertido ser antifascista. Y debemos crear comunidad de resistencia...” [27:06]
- Megan Romer, on union power:
“Ninguna cantidad de dinero puede parar el poder de la gente unida...” [28:44]
- Megan Romer, on making activism sexy:
“Tenemos que hacer que organizarse sea divertido para que la generación más joven se motive y se una.” [37:10]
- Roberto de la Riva, on losing fear:
“La cosa más importante... es perder el miedo...” [42:11]
Useful Timestamps for Key Segments
- Intro & European Parliament context: [00:00–05:43]
- U.S. resistance movements overview: [07:21–13:12]
- Media manipulation & left communication: [13:12–19:37]
- Academic/cultural repression, union strategies: [19:37–31:54]
- Intersectional alliances, youth activism, making resistance “sexy”: [31:54–38:52]
- Tenants/migrant organizing, mass digital protest (50-50-1): [38:52–52:48]
Tone and Style
The conversations blend urgency, critical reflection, and creativity. The tone is at times indignant, deeply personal, and often hopeful—focused on community, solidarity, and the refusal of despair. Authentic voices, especially those of organizers and activists from marginalized communities, drive the episode.
Conclusion
This episode of Carne Cruda demonstrates internationalist, intersectional resistance to Trumpism as an ongoing, multifaceted project. Its central message: the antidote to authoritarian advance is not only organization and unity, but creativity, cultural activism, and relentless, joyful resistance—rooted in both immediate action and long-term alliances.
